Increased left ventricular mass in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease: What are the implications?

Abstract

Recently, new attention has been focused on an increase in left ventricular mass and the attendant cardiac fibrosis as possible substrates for the excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality seen so frequently in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. We provide a summary of the strength of the connection between left ventricular hypertrophy and morbidity and mortality in these patients, examine possible biological mechanisms, and suggest new approaches to its management.