Ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death in patients with chronic kidney disease

One in four dialysis patients will die suddenly. Most do not fall into the high-risk categories that are associated with sudden death in the general population. The cause of sudden death in the dialysis population is unknown. It may be related to factors associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) itself, for example, inflammation, vascular stiffness, left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary artery disease, electrolyte/fluid abnormalities or autonomic dysfunction. Studies of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators have shown that patients with CKD are more likely to use their devices for ventricular arrhythmias but in spite of this still have a high associated mortality. Until a comprehensive risk stratification strategy is understood, minimising risk by good control of basic parameters such as fluid balance, electrolytes and blood pressure, along with careful assessment of all patients for evidence of coronary artery disease and heart failure is the mainstay of management of the CKD patient. © 2010 European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association.