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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Cardiovascular factors influencing survival in dialysis patients
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, USA.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for dialysis patients. This review examines how heart conditions impact survival rates in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis.
- Numerous cardiovascular abnormalities contribute to increased mortality risk in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significant impact of cardiovascular disease on the survival of patients undergoing dialysis for end-stage renal disease.
- To identify specific cardiovascular conditions associated with increased mortality in dialysis patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining cardiovascular disease and survival in dialysis patients.
- Analysis of various cardiovascular abnormalities and their association with mortality.
Main Results:
- Common cardiovascular abnormalities include myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and heart failure.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiomyopathies are prevalent and linked to poor outcomes.
- Systemic hypertension and prior cardiac arrest are also significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular disease profoundly affects survival in dialysis patients.
- Addressing cardiovascular risk factors and abnormalities is crucial for improving outcomes in end-stage renal disease patients on dialysis.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death among dialysis patients. Cardiovascular abnormalities that predispose to mortality include acute myocardial infarction, chronic ischemic heart disease, atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic hyperkinetic heart disease, prior cardiac arrest, and possibly systemic hypertension. This review explores the influences of cardiovascular disease on survival in patients with end-stage renal disease treated with dialysis.
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