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Hemodialysis changes the QRS amplitude in the electrocardiogram
A J Fuenmayor1, C J Vasquez, A M Fuenmayor
1Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela.
International Journal of Cardiology
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Hemodialysis significantly increases QRS amplitude in patients, despite unclear causes. This study monitored electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and other physiological variables during dialysis sessions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Medical Physiology
Background:
- Hemodialysis is a crucial treatment for end-stage renal disease.
- Potential cardiac effects of hemodialysis, including electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in QRS amplitude, a measure of ventricular depolarization, in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
- To explore correlations between QRS amplitude variations and other physiological parameters affected by hemodialysis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed eight patients undergoing 28 hemodialysis sessions.
- Measured QRS amplitude (ECG), body weight, ventricular volumes/mass, ejection fraction, heart rate variability, plasma electrolytes, arterial pressure, and end-systolic stress before and after dialysis.
- Calculated QRS amplitude as the algebraic sum of positive and negative QRS waves.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in QRS amplitude was observed post-hemodialysis (P = 0.0006).
- Significant decreases in body weight (P = 0.0001), plasma potassium (P = 0.000001), systolic arterial pressure (P = 0.023), and end-systolic stress (P = 0.025) were noted.
- No significant influence of measured variables on QRS amplitude change was found.
Conclusions:
- Hemodialysis leads to a significant increase in QRS amplitude.
- The underlying mechanisms driving this QRS amplitude elevation remain undetermined.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between hemodialysis and cardiac electrical activity.