Incidence and risk factors of coronary heart disease in elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis.

Aim: To determine the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients (pts) over 65 years (y) and its relation to common risk factors.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 128 hemodialysis (HD) pts (80 M and 48 F), mean age 73+/-6.5 years, mean time on HD 44.

Acute improvement of aortic mechanics following hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure.

Background: Evidence suggests that distensibility of the aorta is decreased in patients with end-stage renal failure, while the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

Hypothesis: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the distensibility of the aorta in patients at the end stage of chronic renal failure before and after hemodialysis (HD).

Methods: The diameter of the ascending aorta and distensibility were assessed in 48 patients on HD (31 men, 17 women, aged 45+/-14 years) and in 27 normal subjects (17 men, 10 women, aged 44+/-14 years).