[Vascular access blood flow for hemodialysis--a risk factor for development of cardiovascular complications in hemodialysis patients].

INTRODUCTION: Vascular access blood flow rate of 100-350 cm/s and between 500 and 1000 ml/min, points to normal vascular access function and adequate hemodialysis. High blood flow through the arteriovenus fistula overloads the left ventricle inducing left ventricular remodiling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim of the study was to establish the degree of correlation between blood flow through the vascular access for hemodialysis and echocardiographic parameters for the assessment of left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular dilatation and left ventricular function. The research included 115 patients (M:F 71:44), average age 53.30+/-12.17 years, average length of dialysis 4.51 +/- 4.01 years and average Kt/Vsp index 1.17+/-0.23.

RESULTS: The average blood flow through the vascular access for hemodialysis was 662.27+/-301.59 ml/min. EDDLV 54.52+/-6.42 mm, and EDVi 100.80+/-34.62 ml/m2. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between blood flow through vascular access for hemodialysis and EDDLV and EDVi.

CONCLUSION: High blood flow through the vascular access for hemodialysis is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular complications in patients on hemodialysis.