Heart disease in chronic kidney disease - review of the mechanisms and the role of dialysis access

Abstract

Cardiovascular complications are responsible not only for the high mortality, but also the morbidity of end-stage renal disease patients. Cyclic changes of fluid load, together with the altered metabolism, are responsible and are mirrored in many particular parts of the heart.

A review of the mechanisms involved is presented and the role of dialysis access is highlighted.

Keywords

• Chronic kidney disease
• Echocardiography
• Heart failure
• Hemodialysis
• Vascular access