The Prevalence of Hypertension, Valve Calcification and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Geometry in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract

Background/Aims: Cardiac valve calcification (CVC) and left ventricular (LV) abnormalities are common indicators of a poor prognosis in dialysis patients. We determined the prevalence of hypertension, CVC, LV hypertrophy (LVH) and LV geometry in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: Eighty-seven patients (50 female; mean age 42 ± 13 years; mean dialysis duration 46 ± 24 months) on strict salt and volume restriction, none of whom were receiving antihypertensives, were included in the study. Blood pressure (BP), biochemical parameters, CVC, LVH and LV geometry were determined. Results: Most patients were normotensive. CVC of the mitral and aortic valves and of both valves were noted in 22, 23 and 15% of patients, respectively. Patients with CVC had significantly higher diastolic BP (p = 0.023), cardiothoracic index (CTI; p = 0.037) and LV mass index (LVMI; p = 0.002). LVH, noted overall in 44% of cases, was present in 62 and 36% of the patients with and without CVC, respectively (p = 0.028). Of the whole group, only 50.6% had normal LV geometry. LVH was associated with lower serum albumin (p = 0.002), higher CTI (p = 0.027) and more frequent CVC (p = 0.028). LVMI was greater in patients with CVC (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Strict salt restriction and the achievement of ideal dry weight result in normotension in PD patients. CVC is associated with LVH, both of which are lower in normotensive patients.