Hemodialysis-Induced Myocardial Stunning: A Review.

Patients on hemodialysis have a high incidence of cardiac morbidity and mortality, and echocardiographic evidence of hemodialysis-related myocardial stunning supports a potential link between the hemodialysis treatment itself and cardiac sequelae. Fluid removal rates exceeding 13 mL/kg/hour during hemodialysis have been implicated in the development of myocardial stunning. Providers caring for patients on chronic hemodialysis might improve patient outcomes by the use of modified treatment monitoring methods, alternative dialysis delivery methods, and enhanced patient education regarding risks of excessive interdialytic weight gains.