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Measurement of Tissue Oxygenation Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Published on: October 2, 2020
[Heart rate variability alteration in patients on chronic hemodialysis]
Insights
Heart rate variability (HRV) is significantly reduced in chronic hemodialysis patients. Factors like age and diabetes further decrease HRV, while beta-blockers may offer a protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Physiology
Context:
- Chronic hemodialysis patients exhibit diminished heart rate variability (HRV), a known predictor of cardiovascular events.
- End-stage renal disease necessitates hemodialysis, impacting autonomic function and cardiovascular health.
Purpose:
- To assess heart rate variability (HRV) in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.
- To identify clinical and biological factors influencing HRV in this population.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 51 hemodialysis patients revealed significantly lower HRV compared to healthy controls (p<0.0005).
- HRV was found to decrease with advancing age (p=0.012) and in diabetic patients (p=0.026).
- Notably, patients on beta-blocker therapy exhibited higher HRV (p=0.011).
Impact:
- These findings highlight the reduced autonomic function in hemodialysis patients, particularly the elderly and those with diabetes.
- The study suggests that beta-blockers may mitigate the decline in HRV among hemodialysis patients, potentially improving cardiovascular outcomes.
Background And Aim:
Decrease in heart rate variability (HRV) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study is to evaluate HRV in chronic hemodialysis patients and to determine factors that might decrease or increase it.
Methods:
This is a retrospective study including 51 patients, 23 males and 28 females, with a mean of age of 64.5 years (23-84 years) on chronic hemodialysis for end stage renal disease due to various causes. Twenty-four-hour heart rate monitoring was recorded in all patients to evaluate HRV. HRV of hemodialysis patients was compared to normal patients (control). We also looked for correlation between HRV and a number of clinical and biological factors.
Results:
All HRV parameters were decreased in chronic hemodialysis patients compared to normal controls with a significant difference (p<0.0005). HRV decreases with age (p=0.012), and is lower in diabetic patients (p=0.026). Interestingly, we found that chronic hemodialysis patients on beta-blockers had higher HRV with p=0.011.
Conclusion:
HRV is reduced in chronic hemodialysis patients mainly in old and diabetic patients, but this decrease is less important in those receiving beta-blockers.
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