The heart pumps blood, nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and heart failure can result in decreased delivery of oxygen-rich blood to other body systems. One system that works in line with the heart is the renal, or kidney, system. When the kidneys do not receive adequate blood supply, they are unable to function and this leads to a buildup of fluid in the body. This further increases the workload on the failing kidneys and leads to severe consequences.
Decreased Renal Function
The kidneys and renal system are the filtration unit of the body, and remove excess waste and substances from the blood into the urine. According to the Mayo Clinic, the kidneys require a certain amount of constant blood flow to function adequately; without sufficient blood, renal function decreases. Failing kidneys cannot excrete waste products such as salt and water, and fluid levels increase in the body.
Decreased Urine Production
Decreased functioning of the renal system results in decreased urine production, also known as oliguria. The person suffering from heart failure is unable to excrete required amounts of waste and fluid from the body.
Renal Shrinking
Over time, a vicious cycle can develop between a renal system and a failing heart. The backup of blood flow leads to decreased renal function, which eventually leads to a buildup of fluids in the body. There is increased workload for the failing kidneys. When there is decreased blood flow to the kidneys for a period of time, the kidneys can begin to shrink.
