Hypertension in Patients Treated with In-Center Maintenance Hemodialysis: Current Evidence and Future Opportunities: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association

Abstract

Nearly 500 000 individuals are treated with maintenance hemodialysis for kidney failure in the United States, and roughly half will die of cardiovascular causes. Hypertension, an important and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is observed in >80% of patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis. The pathophysiology of hypertension in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis is multifactorial and differs from that seen in other patient populations. Factors that contribute to hypertension in patients treated with hemodialysis include volume overload, arterial stiffness, enhanced activity of the sympathetic nervous and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems, endothelial dysfunction, and use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents. This scientific statement reviews the current evidence on defining, diagnosing, and treating hypertension in patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis and highlights opportunities for future investigation, including studies on blood pressure targets and treatment strategies.