Overnight dialysis boosts kidney health -- while reducing risk of heart disease

Treatment shows promise for improving artery function

2013-10-18

(Press-News.org) Contact information: Jane Diane Fraser
jfraser@hsf.ca
613-569-4361 x273
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Overnight dialysis boosts kidney health -- while reducing risk of heart disease Treatment shows promise for improving artery function Montreal– Receiving dialysis at home while sleeping not only improves kidney health and quality of life for people with kidney disease, it could also decrease their risk of heart disease, says new study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress.

"Patients with end-stage renal disease have at least a five-fold increase in cardiovascular complications," says Dr. Christopher Overgaard, one of the study's authors and a cardiologist at the Toronto General Hospital. "Longer dialysis, done while patients are sleeping, may improve the health of arteries and could lower the risk of developing heart disease."

The study found that after patients transitioned to overnight dialysis, there were improvements in coronary artery function.

Because of the frequency and duration of overnight dialysis, toxins are more evenly and gently removed from the blood. "Increasing the number of hours patients receive their treatment results in less toxin buildup in their blood for shorter durations," says Dr. Overgaard.

Impaired endothelial function – a condition that reduces blood vessel's ability to dilate – puts kidney patients at a significantly higher risk for the development of atherosclerosis (the buildup of fat in the walls of arteries). Atherosclerosis, in turn, can eventually lead to serious problems including heart attacks, stroke or even death.

Conventional hemodialysis in a clinic typically involves dialysis three times a week, for three to four hours at a time – upwards of 12 hours a week.

Contrast that with what's called overnight "home" hemodialysis, done while patients sleep at home. This method allows dialysis six times a week, for up to 12 hours at a time, for up to 72 hours.

Beyond the clinical benefits, patients on overnight dialysis no longer have to revolve much of their schedule around clinic trips.

"This method also improves quality of life by having the dialysis in the comfort of your home, while sleeping, instead of being stuck in a dialysis unit for hours," says Dr. Overgaard. "Old-fashioned dialysis is stressful."

A dialysis machine functions as a kidney for people whose kidneys aren't functioning properly; in essence, cleaning their blood.

"This could be revolutionary for kidney patients," says Dr. Beth Abramson, Heart and Stroke Foundation spokesperson. "A simple change in the way we deliver care can make a significant difference. In addition to benefits to kidney function and quality of life, it could lower their risk of heart disease."

She adds that high blood pressure and diabetes are two common causes of kidney disease and all Canadians should be mindful of reducing these risks.

The Canadian Cardiovascular Congress is co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

### Statements and conclusions of study authors are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect Vascular 2013 host organizations' policy or position. They make no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation's mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery. A volunteer-based health charity, we strive to tangibly improve the health of every Canadian family, every day. 'Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen.' Heartandstroke.ca

HSF spokesperson Beth Abramson is the author of the newly released book Heart Health for Canadians.

Vascular 2013 is a unique, one-time Canadian event bringing four separate scientific meetings together under one roof: the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, the Canadian Diabetes Association/Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism Professional Conference, the Canadian Stroke Congress and the Canadian Hypertension Congress. vascular2013.ca

It is a joint initiative of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, Canadian Diabetes Association/Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Canadian Stroke Network, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Hypertension Canada.

For more information and/or interviews, contact the VASCULAR 2013 MEDIA OFFICE AT 514-789-3402 (Oct 17-20)

OR

Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations
Christian Ahuet, Consultant
514-842-2455, ext. 29 / Cell. 514-994-7496

Congress information and media registration is at http://www.vascular2013.ca

After October 20, 2013 contact: Jane-Diane Fraser
Heart and Stroke Foundation
jfraser@hsf.ca
613-569-4361x273

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[Press-News.org] Overnight dialysis boosts kidney health -- while reducing risk of heart disease
Treatment shows promise for improving artery function

Overnight dialysis boosts kidney health -- while reducing risk of heart disease

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