Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Echocardiographic parameters are independently associated with increased cardiovascular events in patients with

Szu-Chia Chen1, Jer-Ming Chang, Wan-Chun Liu

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
|August 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Echocardiography can identify high-risk patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Specific measurements like left atrial diameter and left ventricular mass index predict cardiovascular events in CKD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face significantly higher risks of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality.
  • Echocardiographic parameters reflecting heart structure and function are known predictors of adverse CV outcomes in various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if echocardiographic parameters are independently associated with increased CV events in patients with CKD Stages 3-5.
  • To identify specific echocardiographic markers that predict CV risk in CKD.

Main Methods:

  • 505 CKD patients were enrolled from an internal medicine outpatient department.
  • Cardiovascular events included CV death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure hospitalizations.
  • Cox regression analysis was used to assess the relative risk of CV events.

Main Results:

  • Left atrial diameter (LAD) >4.7 cm, increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <55% were independently associated with increased CV events.
  • Other predictors included older age, diabetes, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, low serum albumin, and low hematocrit.

Conclusions:

  • Echocardiographic findings of LAD >4.7 cm, increased LVMI, and LVEF <55% are significant independent predictors of adverse CV outcomes in CKD patients.
  • Echocardiographic screening can help identify CKD patients at high risk for poor CV prognosis.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of fluid...
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...