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Published on: October 2, 2020
Understanding Hypertension in Patients on Hemodialysis
Insights
Hypertension is common and poorly managed in hemodialysis (HD) patients, increasing cardiovascular risks. Understanding its complex causes and management strategies is crucial for nurses to improve blood pressure (BP) control.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Nursing
Background:
- Hypertension is highly prevalent and inadequately controlled in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
- Poorly controlled hypertension in HD patients significantly elevates risks for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
- The pathophysiology of hypertension in HD patients is complex and multifactorial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the pathophysiology of hypertension in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
- To review current literature on managing hypertension in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.
- To inform nurses about blood pressure (BP) goals and interventions for improving BP control in HD patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on hypertension in hemodialysis patients.
- Synthesis of information on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Compilation of data on nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Hypertension in HD patients stems from complex, multifactorial causes.
- Effective management requires knowledge of pathophysiology, BP targets, and interventions.
- Interventions focus on improving BP control during and between HD sessions.
Conclusions:
- Nurses require comprehensive knowledge of hypertension in HD patients for optimal care.
- Addressing the multifactorial nature of hypertension is key to improving outcomes.
- Literature review supports a multifaceted approach to managing hypertension in ESRD.
Abstract:
Hypertension is very prevalent and poorly controlled in patients on hemodialysis (HD), and is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The underlying mechanisms of hypertension in patients on HD are complex and multifactorial. Nurses need to be knowledge able about the underlying pathophysiology, blood pressure (BP) goals, and nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions that can improve BP control during and in between HD sessions. This article summarizes the underlying pathophysiology of hypertension in patients on HD and reviews the literature about management of hypertension in patients with end stage renal disease.
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