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Updated: Feb 20, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Ventricular arrhythmia in chronic kidney disease patients
Fabiana Oliveira Bastos Bonato1, Maria Eugênia Fernandes Canziani1
1Universidade Federal de São Paulo.
Insights
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience high rates of cardiac arrhythmias, a major cause of death in dialysis patients. This review examines the complex causes and controversial treatments for ventricular arrhythmias in CKD.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias.
- Cardiac arrhythmias are the primary cause of mortality in patients undergoing dialysis.
- The complex pathophysiology involves CKD-related cardiac abnormalities and various triggers like electrolyte imbalances and dialysis procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical outcomes of asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias in CKD patients.
- To discuss the often-neglected clinical aspects of arrhythmias in the CKD population.
- To explore the controversial treatment outcomes for anti-arrhythmic drugs and invasive devices in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical outcomes and treatment strategies for ventricular arrhythmias in CKD patients.
- Analysis of studies focusing on asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias in the context of chronic kidney disease.
- Synthesis of available data on the efficacy and controversy surrounding anti-arrhythmic drugs and invasive devices.
Main Results:
- Clinical outcomes for CKD patients with asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias are not well-established.
- Treatment strategies, including anti-arrhythmic drugs and invasive devices, show controversial results in the CKD population.
- The complex interplay of CKD, cardiac structure, and various triggers contributes to arrhythmia development.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to clarify the clinical outcomes and optimal management of ventricular arrhythmias in CKD patients.
- The current literature provides controversial evidence regarding the effectiveness of anti-arrhythmic drugs and invasive devices.
- Addressing this neglected topic is crucial for improving the survival and quality of life in the CKD population.
Abstract:
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are susceptible to the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias. The leading cause of death in dialysis patients is cardiac arrhythmias. The pathophysiology of arrhythmias in this population is complex and seems to be related to structural cardiac abnormalities caused by CKD, associated with several triggers, such as water and electrolyte disorders, hormonal conditions, arrhythmogenic drugs, and the dialysis procedure itself. Little is known about the clinical outcomes in CKD patients with asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias. The results of treatments with anti-arrhythmic drugs and invasive devices are controversial in these patients, according to the available literature. The aim of this study was to review this often-neglected topic, which is of special importance in the CKD population.
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