Cardiovasculaire ziekten bij dialysepatiënten

- Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are higher among dialysis patients than among the general population.

- The cardiovascular problems often exist before the start of dialysis. Their pathogenesis is multifactorial in dialysis patients also.

- The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy is strongly increased. Adequate therapy may lead to partial remission.

- Cardiac ischaemia is frequent among dialysis patients and may occur without severe coronary artery disease. The prognosis of myocardial infarction in dialysis patients is poorer than in the general population.

- There is no proven difference between the various dialysis techniques regarding cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, while kidney transplantation may have a beneficial effect.

- Early diagnosis and treatment aimed at risk factors for cardiovascular disease are indicated.