Our research project aims to unlock deeper insights into how diseases affecting the kidneys, like chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes, can lead to heart and blood vessel damage. Using data from the UK Biobank, we will investigate how changes in kidney function and blood pressure over time contribute to cardiovascular health problems.
The connection between kidney health and cardiovascular disease is well-documented but complex. High blood pressure, which affects more than a billion people worldwide and is a leading cause of death, is known to be a major cardiovascular risk factor. However, the nuances of how blood pressure changes with age and how this specifically impacts cardiac health are not completely understood. Similarly, kidney function typically declines with age, influenced by a variety of heart-related risk factors. Through the UK Biobank, we can study these dynamics in detail, examining the longitudinal changes and their impacts on cardiac health.
Our study will make use of advanced statistical and data science techniques, including regression modelling, clustering, imputation for missing data, and potentially machine learning for predictive modelling. This combination of analytical approaches will allow us to handle and interpret the complex and large-scale data provided by the Biobank effectively.
We anticipate that this research will span several years (likely about 3 years), given the scope and depth of the analysis required. Throughout the duration of the project, we will focus on the entire cohort available in the UK Biobank, utilising a range of data types. This includes basic health information, detailed data derived off imaging data that can show signs of heart and blood vessel damage, and results from biological sample assays.
By improving our understanding of how renal diseases influence cardiac health, we can enhance the detection and treatment of cardiovascular issues in patients with kidney disease. This has the potential to lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis, optimized targeted therapies, and overall improved health outcomes. Such advancements could not only save lives but also reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Ultimately, our findings may lead to improved screening and preventive measures, significantly improving public health in the face of growing rates of both kidney disease and cardiovascular conditions globally.