When people think about dialysis, they often focus on how it supports kidney function, but at ANC, we like to regularly remind patients that the heart is closely involved in the process as well. Kidney disease and heart health are deeply connected, especially for patients receiving dialysis. Keep reading as we dive into how dialysis affects the heart and what patients can do to protect it.
Why Dialysis and Heart Health Are Connected
Kidney disease and heart disease share many of the same risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation, and fluid imbalance. As kidney function declines, the heart often has to work harder to compensate. Once patients reach later stages of chronic kidney disease(CKD) or require dialysis, cardiovascular health becomes a central part of care that is difficult to separate.
Dialysis is a process that replaces kidney function within a limited number of hours each week, to mimic the filtration kidneys should natrually upkeep continually. Because of this periodic compensation, fluid and blood pressure changes during treatment can place added strain on the heart, particularly when fluid is removed too quickly.
How Dialysis Type and Fluid Management Affect the Heart
The way dialysis is delivered matters for each patient. In-center hemodialysis is effective and lifesaving, but it removes fluid rapidly, which can lead to blood pressure shifts and increased cardiac stress for some patients.
Home dialysis options, on the other hand, including peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis, are often described as more gradual and gentle. These approaches allow for better day-to-day fluid control and steadier treatment, which may be easier on the heart. Providers emphasize that even if patients ultimately choose in-center dialysis, learning about home options can be valuable if conditions progress or increased strain on the heart becomes a concern.
Everyday Ways to Protect Your Heart on Dialysis
While dialysis plays a major role, providers stress that daily habits and consistency matter just as much. Blood pressure control is one of the most important protective factors for both kidney and heart health. Monitoring blood pressure regularly, staying within recommended fluid limits, and reporting symptoms like swelling or shortness of breath early can make a meaningful difference in your care.
Medication adherence is another key piece. Many patients with more advanced kidney disease are recommended cholesterol-lowering or blood pressure medications to reduce cardiovascular risk. Providers often encourage open conversations if medications feel difficult to manage or elicit adverse symptoms, so care plans can be adjusted. Make sure to maintain open communication with your care team so they can help you find what would work best for you!
We hope this blog helped broaden your perspective and view protecting your heart as an act of self-care! Remember that health is holistic, especially when it comes to kidney care. From all of us here at ANC, we hope you have a happy Valentine’s Day and keep your heart healthy in more ways than one!
