In a comprehensive review of heart failure with CKD, Professor J. Malik of the Center for Vascular Access, General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic delineates the numerous mechanisms of heart disease and underscores their connection to a dialysis access. He addresses arterial disease, left ventricular hypertrophy and dilatation, left and right atrial and ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction, regional wall abnormalities, pulmonary hypertension, cardiovascular calcification, pericardial disease, and other diseases such as atrial fibrillation and valvular disease, common in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. He also addresses congestive heart failure and hyperkinetic heart failure, and explains the contribution of the vascular access to heart failure.
Practical recommendations are offered for clinicians dealing with ESKD patients. They include:
Finally, Professor Malik encourages a close cooperation between the nephrologist and a cardiologist as they tend to the respective needs of their ESKD patients.