THE EFFECT OF HEMODIALYSIS ON CARDIAC-RHYTHM AND PERFORMANCE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 15  (6) , 321-327
Abstract
The effects of hemodialysis on cardiac rhythm and left ventricular function were evaluated by Holter ECG monitoring and M-mode echocardiography in 22 stable patients on regular hemodialysis in hospital. Significant ventricular arrhythmias occurred in 9%. Mean left ventricular volume in diastole (LVVd) decreased significantly after dialysis from 156 .+-. 12 ml to 135 .+-. 9 ml (P < 0.001). Mean left ventricular volume in systole (LVVs) decreased from 51 .+-. 9 ml to 42 .+-. 6 ml (P < 0.025). Left ventricular function, as measured by mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (VCF), increased significantly for the entire group from 1.25 .+-. 0.06 to 1.38 .+-. 0.06 circ[circumference]/s (P < 0.05). Pre-dialysis VCF was normal in 15 patients (group 1) and abnormal (< 1.10 circ/s) in 7 patients (group 2). The mean VCF after dialysis did not change in group 1 (1.40 .+-. 0.05 to 1.42 .+-. 0.06 circ/s, P = nonsignificant), but increased significantly in group 2 (0.92 .+-. 0.06 to 1.29 .+-. 0.12 circ/s, P < 0.005). There was no significant change in cardiac output or peripheral vascular resistance. Hemodialysis, when performed with careful K monitoring, has a low incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. Hemodialysis reduces left ventricular volumes and improves overall cardiac performance in patients with abnormal left ventricular function predialysis.