The Structural and Functional Echocardiographic Changes in Haemodialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objectives
To determine the prevalence and types of echocardiographic abnormalities in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis and assess their association with clinical comorbidities.
Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those undergoing hemodialysis. Cardiac structural and functional abnormalities such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction are highly prevalent but often underdiagnosed.
Methods
This cross-sectional descriptive study enrolled 120 adult patients undergoing regular hemodialysis for ≥3 months. Standard transthoracic echocardiography, including 2D, Doppler, and global longitudinal strain (GLS), was performed. Associations between echocardiographic abnormalities and clinical parameters including hypertension and diabetes mellitus were analyzed using the chi-square test.
Results
Echocardiography revealed LV hypertrophy in 58.3% of patients, diastolic dysfunction in 66.7%, and systolic dysfunction in 15.8%. Mean GLS was 12 ± 3.09%. Hypertension was significantly associated with LVH (p < 0.001), increased LA volume index (p < 0.001), diastolic dysfunction (p < 0.001), and impaired GLS (p < 0.001). Diabetes showed no statistically significant association with echocardiographic abnormalities.
Conclusions
Structural and functional cardiac changes are common in hemodialysis patients, especially in those with hypertension. Early identification via echocardiography, including strain imaging, is essential for cardiovascular risk stratification in this population.
Condensed Abstract
In 120 CKD patients on hemodialysis, echocardiography revealed a high prevalence of LVH, diastolic dysfunction, and subclinical systolic dysfunction. Hypertension was significantly correlated with adverse remodeling and strain impairment. These findings support routine echocardiographic monitoring in dialysis patients.
Article Details

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