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Large and small artery compliance changes during hemodialysis
Debbie L Cohen1, Raymond R Townsend
1Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
American Journal of Hypertension
|April 10, 2002
Summary
Hemodialysis significantly reduces small artery compliance, a predictor of cardiovascular disease, without altering blood pressure. This arterial change, alongside increased serum calcium, highlights risks in dialysis patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Physiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in hemodialysis patients.
- Reduced arterial compliance predicts cardiovascular mortality in end-stage renal disease.
- Pulse wave analysis offers noninvasive measurement of arterial compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in large and small vessel compliance during hemodialysis.
- To assess the relationship between hemodialysis, arterial compliance, and serum calcium levels.
Main Methods:
- Pulse wave analysis was used to measure arterial compliance (C1 and C2) in 10 chronic hemodialysis patients.
- Measurements were taken pre-dialysis, midway, and post-dialysis.
- Serum calcium levels were measured before and after hemodialysis.
Main Results:
- Small vessel compliance (C2) significantly decreased during hemodialysis (P = .04).
- No significant changes were observed in large vessel compliance (C1) or blood pressure.
- Serum calcium levels significantly increased during hemodialysis (P = .003).
Conclusions:
- Hemodialysis leads to decreased small artery compliance independent of blood pressure changes.
- Increased serum calcium during hemodialysis may contribute to vascular changes.
- Arterial compliance monitoring during dialysis can identify patients at higher cardiovascular risk.