Prevalence and Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective: To assess the PHT prevalence and its impact on end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on prolonged hemodialysis (HD). Methodology: This cross-sectional study included ESRD patients on hemodialysis for at least three months at Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital, Islamabad, between June 2023 and February 2024. The study included a total of 80 patients undergoing hemodialysis. PHT was referred as an estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of 25 mm Hg or higher, as determined by echocardiograms conducted by a cardiologist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, v 23. A p value ? 0.05 was measured significant in all the analyses. Results: The patient’s average age was 56.7±14.4 years. Hemodialysis mean duration was 40±32 months. Ejection fraction mean was 44±8%. PHT was observed in 65% of the patients. These patients tended to have a decreased ejection fraction. PHT was high prevalent in female hemodialysis patients. This study found no correlation between PHT and duration of hemodialysis, the cause of ESRD, anemia, or levels of parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, and calcium. Conclusion: The findings indicate that PHT is prevalent issue in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis and is closely linked to heart failure. Screening for this condition is essential in this patient population.