Cardiac disease in patients with end-stage renal disease

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in ESRF patients. Coronary risk factors such as hypertension and lipid abnormalities are prevalent in the dialysis population and may be difficult to control. Special factors contributing to the imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand include anemia, arteriovenous fistula, and the hemodialysis procedure itself. LVH and left ventricular dilation frequently result in symptomatic CHF. Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias are common; pericarditis may also occur. Control of the extracellular fluid volume through ultrafiltration with dialysis and the dietary avoidance of salt and water is critical to controlling hypertension in the dialysis population. The potential for drug side effects and the altered pharmacokinetics of medications in renal failure patients should be considered when prescribing cardiovascular drugs.