New Government framework highlights the vital link between heart and kidney health
This week, the Government published the Cardiovascular disease (CVD) modern service framework (MSF): a cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic approach – a new national strategy aimed at reducing premature deaths from heart disease and stroke by a quarter over the next decade.
For people living with kidney disease, this is an important step forward.
Why this matters for people living with kidney disease
The framework adopts a new cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic approach, reflecting the close connection between heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes, and the need to manage them together.
It encourages healthcare teams to look after the whole person, recognising that problems with the kidneys can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, and vice versa. It also highlights the importance of finding and treating kidney disease earlier, before it becomes more serious.
This is the first time in many years that early kidney disease has been given such prominence within a national cardiovascular strategy, underlining that looking after kidney health is also vital for protecting heart health.
Kidney disease affects around 7.2 million people in the UK, and this is expected to rise to 7.6 million by 2033. Finding kidney disease earlier and ensuring people can access effective treatments can slow progression, helping people stay healthier for longer and reducing the number who go on to develop kidney failure.
The framework identifies chronic kidney disease as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, alongside conditions such as high cholesterol and diabetes. It also sets out plans to improve NHS Health Checks so more people with kidney disease are identified earlier, receive proactive care and benefit from effective treatment.
These are all positive steps that the PKD Charity welcomes.
Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of the PKD Charity, said:
"It's encouraging to see kidney disease recognised as a key part of improving the nation's heart health. Earlier diagnosis and better access to treatment can make a real difference to people's lives.
This is an important step forward, but we still need a dedicated national kidney disease strategy to ensure everyone affected by kidney disease receives the care and support they need."
A welcome step, but more action is needed
However, we know there is still much more to do. While the framework places kidney disease firmly on the national agenda, its focus is reducing cardiovascular disease.
It cannot address all the challenges faced by people living with kidney disease, including those with inherited, genetic conditions such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
That is why we continue to campaign for a dedicated national kidney disease strategy.
Last year, together with Kidney Care UK, Kidney Research UK, the National Kidney Federation and the UK Kidney Association we delivered an open letter to Downing Street signed by more than 13,000 people, calling on the Government to take urgent action on kidney disease.
Working together towards a national kidney strategy
Alongside this work, we push ahead with Voices to Vision, a national listening programme launched in early 2026. Through surveys, discussions and events, the programme brings together people living with kidney disease, families, carers, healthcare professionals, researchers and charities to ensure recommendations for a future national kidney disease strategy reflect the real experiences and priorities of the kidney community.
This week's announcement is a welcome sign that kidney disease is receiving greater national attention.
It is an important milestone, but not the destination. We will continue working with partners across the kidney community to secure a dedicated national kidney disease strategy that delivers earlier diagnosis, fair access to effective treatments wherever people live, and better outcomes for everyone affected by kidney disease.
Download the Cardiovascular disease modern service framework
If you'd like to discuss how we can support you or a loved one, learn more about our services or contact our team today.
- Hits: 1036