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Published on: October 2, 2020
Hypertension in hemodialysis patients
1Divisions of Nephrology and Hypertension, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals of Cleveland, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. mxr9@po.cwru.edu
Insights
Hypertension is common in hemodialysis patients, but its direct link to mortality needs more research. Managing fluid volume is key, with medication as a secondary approach for better blood pressure control.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Hypertension
Background:
- Hypertension is highly prevalent and inadequately controlled in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis.
- While high blood pressure affects cardiovascular disease outcomes, its independent impact on mortality in this population remains uncertain.
- Extracellular fluid volume expansion is a primary driver of hypertension in hemodialysis, alongside other humoral factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent risk of hypertension for mortality in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.
- To clarify the role of hypertension in cardiovascular disease outcomes for this specific patient group.
- To highlight the need for further research into effective hypertension management strategies in hemodialysis.
Main Methods:
- This study reviews existing literature and pathophysiological mechanisms related to hypertension in hemodialysis.
- Analysis focuses on the relationship between blood pressure, fluid volume, and mortality.
- The study identifies gaps in current knowledge regarding therapeutic strategies and measurement techniques.
Main Results:
- Hypertension is a significant concern in hemodialysis patients, frequently poorly controlled.
- The precise independent contribution of hypertension to mortality in this cohort requires further investigation.
- Fluid management is central to treating hypertension, with antihypertensive drugs used adjunctively.
Conclusions:
- Further high-quality prospective studies are essential for hemodialysis patients.
- Defining optimal blood pressure measurement techniques and target goals is critical.
- Developing effective therapeutic strategies for hypertension management in this high-risk population is urgently needed.
Abstract:
Hypertension is very common and often poorly controlled in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. While high blood pressure has been documented to adversely impact several intermediate outcomes of cardiovascular disease, whether hypertension is an independent risk factor for mortality in this population is not clear. Expansion of extracellular fluid volume is the major pathophysiologic mechanism for the development of hypertension in these patients; however, alterations in other humoral mechanisms also play a significant role. Optimization of volume status is, therefore, the cornerstone of therapy with additional use of antihypertensive medications as needed. Good quality prospective studies are urgently needed to define the measurement techniques and blood pressure goals, and to develop therapeutic strategies for more effective management of hypertension in this high-risk population.
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