The Cardio-renal Syndrome (CRS)

Abstract

The presence of impaired kidney function during heart failure and vice versa is a frequent occurrence. This situation is defined “Cardio-renal Syndrome”.

In the Cardio-renal Syndrome (CRS) are included 5 different sub-syndromes defined on the basis of the organ primitively responsible: Acute Cardio-renal Syndrome (Type 1), Chronic Cardio-renal Syndrome (Type 2), Acute Reno-cardiac Syndrome (Type 3), Chronic Renal-cardiac Syndrome (Type 4) and Secondary Cardio-renal Syndrome (Type 5).

The physiopathologic mechanisms underlying CRS are still partially obscure, but, a key role seems to be played by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis.

Therapeutic strategies involved in CRS treatment include the use of diuretics, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers and β-Blockers, emphasizing the role of a proper use of medication indicated for the treatment of cardiac decompensation.