| Theme | Cardioascular Diseases in Dialysis Patients -- Understanding, Treatment and Management | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Cardiac arrhythmia in hemodialysis patients | |
| Publish Date | 2003/06 | |
| Author | Hiroshi Fukazawa | Cardiovascular Division, Jichi Medical School Hospital |
| Author | Kazuyuki Shimada | Cardiovascular Division, Jichi Medical School Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Cardiac arrhythmias are more often seen in hemodialysis patients than in other patients. The changes in plasma conditions and circulating blood volume which cause arrhythmias also underly cardiac disease are important. The basic approach for treatment of arrhythmia is to remove arrhythmogenic factors. Administration of antiarrhythmic drugs is available when the patient does not respond to initial treatment. The pharmacokinetics of antiarrhythmic drugs must be considered in relation to hemodialysis patients' condition. Non pharmacological therapy, such as catheter ablation may be first choice in some cases. | |