Hypertension in Patients Treated With In-Center Maintenance Hemodialysis

Published: April 24, 2023

Infographic:  Kidney Failure - Specific risk factors related to kidney dysfunction: Volume overload, Renin angiotensin aldosterone system, Arterial stiffness, Endothelial dysfunction, Sympathetic nervous system, Erythropoietin stimulating agents | Traditional risk factors: Age, inactivity, Family history, Obstructive sleep apnea - High blood pressure
  • This scientific statement reviews current evidence on defining, diagnosing and treating hypertension in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis and highlight opportunities for future investigation, including studies on blood pressure targets and treatment strategies.
  • Measuring blood pressure accurately in a patient on hemodialysis can be challenging. Some obstacles are in-patient dialysis centers are not quiet and proper position for measurement may not be possible, many patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis have bilateral upper arm vascular access sites and patients may have vascular abnormalities (arterial stiffness and occlusive peripheral arterial disease) which can significantly affect a measured blood pressure.
  • Hypertension, an important and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is observed in over 80% of patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis.