Theme |
Death-dealing arrhythmia -- diagnosis, treatment and prevention |
Title |
Dangerous arrhythmias in hemodialysis patients |
Author |
Kiyonori Ito |
Division of Nephrology, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University |
Author |
Susumu Ookawara |
Division of Nephrology, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University |
Author |
Yuichiro Ueda |
Division of Nephrology, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University |
Author |
Kaoru Tabei |
Division of Nephrology, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University |
[ Summary ] |
Dangerous arrhythmias and electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are frequently encountered in hemodialysis (HD) patients, sometimes causing sudden cardiac death. Routine ECG test can reveal cardiac arrhythmia in more than 10 % of HD patients. However, lethal arrhythmia might be detected in sudden hypotension, palpitation, and deterioration of consciousness during HD therapy. Most cases of lethal arrhythmia are caused by ischemic heart disease or electrolyte abnormalities. Routine ECG examination and cardiac ultrasonography should be recommended to prevent lethal arrhythmia, especially in patients with HD induced hypotension. |