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Long-term evolution and changing associations of left ventricular hypertrophy after starting hemodialysis
Atsushi Takeda1, Takayuki Toda, Hitoshi Iwamoto
1Kidney Center, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan. atakeda@midorino.com
Insights
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common in dialysis patients. While LVH slightly decreased after starting hemodialysis, baseline LV mass and blood pressure control are key factors for regression.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a common condition in patients undergoing dialysis.
- LVH is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in left ventricular mass (LVM) after initiating hemodialysis.
- To identify the factors influencing these changes in LV mass.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 107 patients was studied.
- Echocardiograms were performed at yearly intervals after starting hemodialysis.
- Changes in LV mass index (LVMI) were correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters.
Main Results:
- At baseline, 68% of patients had LVH with a mean LVMI of 145.8 g/m(2).
- Over a mean follow-up of 34.5 months, LVMI decreased by 3.9 g/m(2) to 141.5 g/m(2).
- Significant correlations were found between LVMI changes and baseline LVMI, systolic blood pressure, serum albumin, and age.
Conclusions:
- LVH is prevalent in dialysis patients and often persists after starting treatment.
- Baseline LV mass and systolic blood pressure control are primary determinants of LV mass changes.
- Early antihypertensive treatment is recommended to regress LVH and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Background/Aims:
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is prevalent in dialysis patients and is recognized as a potent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We examined the evolution of LVH after starting dialysis and the determinants of changes in LV mass.
Methods:
A cohort of 107 patients who had two or more echocardiograms at yearly intervals after starting hemodialysis was studied.
Results:
At baseline, the mean LV mass index (LVMI) was 145.8 g/m(2) and 73 (68%) patients had LVH. During the mean follow-up period of 34.5 months, LVMI decreased by 3.9 g/m(2). At last follow-up, the mean LVMI was 141.5 g/m(2) and 68 (64%) patients had LVH. For changes in LVMI, a significant correlation was found in changes in systolic blood pressure, LVMI at baseline, changes in serum albumin concentration, and age. The relationship between changes in LVMI and systolic blood pressure was close during the 1st and 2nd intervals, but became weak gradually during the 3rd and 4th intervals.
Conclusion:
Many patients had LVH at starting hemodialysis and continued to have LVH thereafter. The most important determinants of LV mass changes were baseline LV mass and systolic blood pressure control, but the grade of reduction decreased gradually with time. These results suggest that active antihypertensive treatment should be started early to regress LVH and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
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