Heart disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD) can worsen each other, but new guidelines suggest that early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risks. The European Society of Cardiology, in partnership with the European Renal Association, has released the first set of guidelines specifically for managing cardiovascular disease alongside chronic kidney disease. These recommendations were published in the European Heart Journal and presented at the ESC Congress 2026. Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed when there are structural or functional problems in the kidneys that last at least three months and impact a person's health. It is estimated that about 100 million people in Europe have CKD, and the condition greatly increases the risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. The new guidelines stress the importance of identifying kidney problems early in individuals already being treated for heart conditions. A key tool introduced is the "STAMP on CKD" acronym, which outlines a step-by-step approach: Screen, Triage, Address CKD Risk, Modify CVD management, and Plan health services. The first step, screening, involves blood and urine tests to assess kidney function and detect early signs of damage. Triage then involves evaluating how likely a patient is to develop kidney failure and assessing their cardiovascular risk. The guidelines recommend using proven risk assessment tools that consider kidney function. Starting treatment earlier with specific drugs, such as RAS inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors, along with statin therapy, has been found to be particularly effective in reducing complications. The recommendations also highlight situations where heart medications may need adjustment for people with CKD, as impaired kidney function can affect how the body processes certain drugs. The final part of the strategy focuses on organizing healthcare services to ensure that patients at the highest risk are identified quickly and receive timely care from both cardiologists and nephrologists. Because of the complexity of managing CKD, close communication between different medical specialties is often necessary. Involving patients and their families or caregivers in the care process helps ensure that their needs are met, improves their experience, and promotes a more patient-centered approach. A simplified version of the guidelines has been created for patients to help them understand their condition and participate more confidently in decision-making with their healthcare providers. The Task Force Chairs emphasized that both cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease place a significant burden on patients, healthcare systems, and society, and that the key messages in these guidelines should be considered by all relevant healthcare professionals and policymakers.