KCVD Message from the Chair

Janani Rangaswami, MD, FACP, FAHA

Welcome to the Council for the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease (KCVD).

Our Council strives to reduce cardiovascular-related disability and death through clinical, translational, and basic research, communication, advocacy, and education relevant to a) the role of the kidney in hypertension, b) the role of the kidney in cardiovascular diseases – this includes acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease and its effects on heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease, c) the specific role of the kidney in diabetes-induced cardiovascular disease, and d) cardio-renal syndrome. The KCVD Council provides learning, networking, and volunteer opportunities. We sponsor a wide range of career-development events and partner with national and international organizations focused on the role of the kidney in cardiovascular disease.

The KCVD Council works actively to support research into the causes of kidney-related cardiovascular disease and develop translational approaches to enhance patient care and disease prevention. This Council is committed to developing the next generation of renal scientists through training, advocacy, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to maintain a representative balance in our Committees based on MD vs. PhDs, academia vs. private practice, junior and senior members, sex, race/ethnicity, etc. International membership is also critical, and citizens of any country are welcome to participate and contribute to various activities of the KCVD Council.

I am truly honored to lead the Council with tremendous help from the KCVD leadership committee and Past Chair Dr. Vivek Bhalla. I encourage you to join KCVD Council, participate in Council Committees, attend the Hypertension Scientific Sessions organized by the Hypertension Council and the KCVD Council, apply for Council Awards (and nominate your colleagues), be recognized as FAHA, and participate in other opportunities provided to you by the Council. Feel free to contact me or any member of the KCVD leadership committee if you have any ideas or suggestions on how we can help you or how you can contribute to the missions of AHA, and the KCVD Council, particularly.

We appreciate your membership in the Council, volunteer time, and dedication to our Council and the American Heart Association.

Best Wishes,

Janani Rangaswami, MD, FACP, FAHA
Chair, Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease