The Pre-Kidney Transplant Cardiovascular Evaluation: A Narrative Review of Current Scientific Statements and Consensus Documents

Cardiology and therapy  ·  2026

Jacob B Michaud; Gaeth Al-Zaneen; Kim Anderson; Anukul Ghimire; Karthik K Tennankore; Amanda J Vinson; George L Worthen;

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ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality among individuals with kidney failure, yet evidence-based strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in this population are limited. Kidney transplantation has been consistently shown to improve survival, including cardiovascular-specific outcomes among those with kidney failure. Substantial heterogeneity exists across transplant centers regarding the pre-transplant cardiovascular evaluation, and the evidence supporting specific testing strategies remains sparse. Current scientific guidelines and consensus statements on pre-kidney transplant cardiovascular assessment, which guide clinical practice, recommend asymptomatic testing in most individuals. However, emerging retrospective evidence suggests limited short-term benefit from routine asymptomatic screening. Ongoing randomized studies may clarify optimal strategies for repeat cardiovascular screening in waitlisted individuals who have undergone initial cardiovascular evaluation. In this review of kidney transplant candidates, we (i) examine contemporary data on cardiovascular screening (ii) highlight the diagnostic limitations of noninvasive testing in kidney failure and the lack of clear benefit from revascularization in the pre-kidney transplant setting, and (iii) outline the consequences of untimely and potentially unnecessary cardiovascular testing.

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