Blood pressure targets for hemodialysis patients

Abstract

The association between blood pressure (BP) and mortality is unique in hemodialysis patients compared with that in the general population. This is because of an altered benefit-risk balance associated with BP reduction in these patients. An adequately designed study comparing BP targets in hemodialysis patients remains to be conducted. The current evidence available to guide dialysis providers regarding treatment strategies for managing hypertension in this population is limited to large observational studies and small randomized controlled trials. In this opinion article, we review these data and discuss the key points regarding BP management for hemodialysis patients. Our aim is to provide a practical opinion regarding BP targets that nephrologists can incorporate into clinical practice, with a focus on moving away from dialysis unit BPs and focusing on out-of-dialysis unit BPs.

Keywords: ambulatory blood pressure; cardiovascular disease; hemodialysis; home blood pressure; hypertension.