After experiencing severe breathlessness and leg swelling, Venkatsubramanian C.V. was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and warned that his kidneys might fail. Further tests revealed that prolonged diabetes had affected both his kidneys and heart. Thanks to Dr. Rajan Ravichandran’s guidance, a strict low-sodium and low-potassium diet helped stabilize his condition. This experience led him to the question: should we have a specialist that focuses on both heart and kidney issues?

World Cup Football matches were going on. I was watching some of those games late at night sitting in the comforts of home at Nashik. One night after watching a game, I tried to get some sleep. I felt uncomfortable. Despite trying my best, I could not manage to sleep. 

Something was rushing up to my chest causing heaviness and a bit of breathlessness. In the morning, I noticed swelling in my legs. I consulted my family physician in the evening. He prescribed some medication to counter acidity. 

As I was walking out of the Doctor’s room, I felt a sudden bout of breathlessness which made it difficult for me to walk. I was admitted to a nearby Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. The diagnosis was Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Pleural effusion was detected by Ultrasound and CT scan [Editor’s note: Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid between the membranes surrounding the lungs, which can lead to difficulty breathing and chest discomfort]. Creatinine was at 2.47. The Doctors disclosed two things: I may require stent implants in my heart, and my kidneys may fail in future.  

Lying on the ICU bed, I had a question for the doctors: Did my kidneys cause the heart problem or did the heart cause kidney problems?

I did not get a clear reply. Within a day, the pleural effusion receded.

The swelling disappeared. Breathing stabilized. I was discharged from hospital. 

Post-discharge from the hospital, my potassium levels started increasing to dangerous levels, reached 6,8. My creatinine also rose to a level of 3. I consulted Dr. Rajan Ravichandran, a renowned nephrologist in India, at MIOT International Hospital Chennai. He put me through a series of tests. The diagnosis was clear.  

Prolonged diabetes has affected my kidneys, which in turn caused pressure on my heart. He stopped Dytor Plus medication, which was pumping potassium into my system. Dr. Rajan Ravichandran advised a low-sodium diet, avoiding fruits high in potassium, as well as coconuts and dried fruits. Monthly electrolyte tests were also advised to monitor electrolyte levels. After following this sound medical advice, my condition now seems to have stabilized. Creatinine levels have settled to around 1.8 and all other electrolyte levels have stabilized to normal values. 

If not for Dr. Rajan Ravichandran’s intervention, I would probably have ended up with stents in my heart, neglected my kidneys, and found myself on dialysis.  

What happened to me raises an important question. What happens to the kidneys if you consult a cardiologist? What happens to the heart if you consult a nephrologist? When symptoms suggest issues with both the heart and kidneys, how do you determine which organ is actually affected?  Should there be a new specialist called nephrocardiologist or cardionephrologist to bridge this gap? 

Disclaimer: The blog series is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to endorse or promote any specific drug, product, or brand. Each individual’s experience is unique and should not be construed as medical advice or a guarantee of similar results for others. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health and well-being.