Five‐Year Cumulative Cardiovascular Health and Clinical Events in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: The CRIC Study

Abstract

Background Higher cardiovascular health (CVH) score is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in the general population. However, it is unclear whether cumulative CVH is associated with CVD, end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), and death in patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods and Results Among individuals from the prospective CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort) Study, we used the percentage of the maximum possible CVH score attained from baseline to the year 5 visit to calculate cumulative CVH score. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression was used to investigate the associations of cumulative CVH with risks of adjudicated CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure), ESKD, and all‐cause mortality. A total of 3939 participants (mean age, 57.7 years; 54.9% men) were included. The mean (SD) cumulative CVH score attained during 5 years was 55.5% (12.3%). Over a subsequent median 10.2‐year follow‐up, 597 participants developed CVD, 656 had ESKD, and 1324 died. A higher cumulative CVH score was significantly associated with lower risks of CVD, ESKD, and mortality, independent of the CVH score at year 5. Multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CIs per 10% higher cumulative CVH score during 5 years were 0.81 (0.69–0.95) for CVD, 0.82 (0.70–0.97) for ESKD, and 0.80 (0.72–0.89) for mortality. Conclusions Among patients with chronic kidney disease stages 2 to 4, a better CVH status maintained throughout 5 years is associated with lower risks of CVD, ESKD, and all‐cause mortality. The findings support the need for interventions to maintain ideal CVH status for prevention of adverse outcomes in the population with chronic kidney disease.