Kidneys

Another important examination of all heart patients is that which gives a knowledge of the functions of the kidneys. The kidneys of those who have heart trouble are nearly always affected in some way. This is so much so that a large number of heart patients are supposed to be suffering from kidney trouble. The disease known as Bright's disease that affects older people, giving them high blood pressure, is nearly always primarily a disorder of the circulation in which the kidneys have participated, and the old idea that Bright's disease is primarily kidney trouble is erroneous. This is easily proved by the fact that when the heart and blood vessels are properly managed, the kidneys are often found to be sound enough for all intents and purposes.