Unlocking the future of kidney and cardiovascular care

The kidneys are a critical part of the cardiovascular system that are responsible for filtering the waste and excess water out of the blood. They also control blood pressure and other aspect of vascular function. Cardiovascular disease and kidney disease are closely linked, with cardiovascular disease increasing the risk of kidney disease and vice versa. Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are 10 to thirty times more likely to develop heart disease, and the No. 1 cause of death for people living with CKD is cardiovascular disease.

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute has a long history of excellence in tackling these problems with an internationally recognized group of clinician-researchers focused on kidney and cardiovascular health. The group has many successes under its belt and continues to build on those accomplishments with an eye to the future.  Continue reading for a glimpse into the Libin’s past, present and future impact in this area of patient care. 

Yesterday’s successes: building a foundation for the future of kidney care

In 2018, the Institute was designated a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Kidney Disease. Directed by kidney specialist and researcher Dr. Marcello Tonelli, a professor and associate vice president (research) at the Cumming School of Medicine. 

This was a significant achievement that secured the Institute’s position on the world stage of kidney research and health. 

“Working in partnership with the WHO and other major organizations like the International Society of Nephrology allows us to impact a wide range of people around the world,” says Tonelli, a world leader in the prevention and control of CKD. 

Yesterday’s Successes: Collaborative partnership recognized 

Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn, MD, and Dr. Braden Manns, MD, are research partners dedicated to improving outcomes for patients. The duo has worked together for 15 years, and their joint efforts have had a major impact on the translation of health care for patients with CKD. 

Hemmelgarn and Manns have both been involved in administrative roles related to the optimal delivery of renal services in Alberta, and they are the principal organizers and innovators of a major renal epidemiologic centre, recognized in Canada and throughout the world.

Their work has received numerous accolades, and in 2017, they were jointly awarded the prestigious Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Medal of Research Excellence, given annually to a Canadian who is recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in kidney-related research. 

“It reaffirms why we do research—to improve care and outcomes for those who mean the most—our patients,” says Hemmelgarn of the award.  

Precision medicine – Bringing tomorrow’s kidney care to today’s patients

Working from a strong foundation of excellence, the Libin Institute’s kidney team continues to innovate. Dr. Matthew James, MD, PhD, and his team's ground-breaking work in acute kidney injury exemplifies the INAdedication to advancing patient outcomes through precision medicine. With the development of a predictive risk assessment tool, tailored treatments and timely interventions are transforming the landscape of kidney care, paving the way for improved health outcomes.

Twelve per cent of patients who are hospitalized will experience a kidney complication. Acute kidney injuries can vary in severity: some patients recover fully while others develop kidney failure.  

James, a kidney specialist and researcher, developed a risk assessment tool that can predict which patients at risk of acute kidney injury will progress to advanced CKD. The tool, which was developed over 11 years using data from almost 10,000 Alberta patients, is a game changer when it comes to tailoring treatments and follow-up care. 

“This prediction model opens up opportunities to improve long-term health outcomes,” says James, a professor of medicine in the departments of Medicine and Community Health Science. “We can take action and make sure patients get the care they need in a timely manner.”

Future of Kidney and Cardiovascular Care

Tapping into digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, researchers are moving towards creating similar tools that will improve patient care and satisfaction. This work provides hope for the future. 

“We are at a phase now where we can leverage some of the increasing digital technology to help doctors and patients make better decisions based on risk profiles of patients and then guide health-care providers towards providing evidence-based care in the community” says James.

Read more about the Libin Cardiovascular Institute's Top 20 Achievements of the last 20 years here.