BackgroundVascular access for hemodialysis (HD) with an inappropriately high flow may underlie the onset of high output heart failure (HOHF).The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of high flow access (HFA) in chronic HD patients, and to determine its effects on cardiac functions.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted on 100 chronic hemodialysis patients through arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The study cohort was subdivided into 2 groups based on AVF flow: Group A (Non-HFA group with Qa < 2000 ml/min), and Group B (HFA group with Qa ≥ 2000 ml/min). AVF flow (Qa) was assessed using Color Doppler ultrasonography. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed for all patients to assess cardiac dimensions and functions.ResultsPrevalence of HFA among study population was 24%. Mean AVF Qa was 958.63 ± 487.35 and 3430.13 ± 1256.28 ml/min, for group A and B respectively. The HFA group demonstrated a significant dilatation in LV dimensions and volumes and significantly larger LA volume as compared to non-HFA group. A significantly lower LV ejection fraction [EF] was also observed in group B with a mean value of 57.32 ± 6.19% versus 62.90 ± 5.76%. A significant association between HFA group and high Qa/cardiac output (CO) ratio (≥20%) was also observed.ConclusionHFA is a prevalent hemodialysis vascular access problem. HFA was associated with dilated LV dimensions, impaired LV systolic function. High Qa/CO ratio (≥20%) was an independent predictor of high output heart failure (HOHF) in our study population.

Background: Arterial hypertension adversely affects LA size and function, effect on function may precede effect on size. This effect is reflected on patient's morbidity and mortality risks. Many techniques were used to assess LA function but with many pitfalls. The objectives: early detection of left atrial dysfunction with speckle tracking echocardiography in hypertensive patients with normal left atrial size. Patients And Methods: The study was conducted on 50 hypertensive patients and 50 age matched normotensive controls , all with normal LA size and free from any other cardiovascular disease that may affect the LA size or function. They were all subjected to history taking, clinical examination and echocardiographic study, both the conventional measures and speckle tracking then both groups were compared regarding LA strain representing LA function. Results: Our study found that hypertensive patients had significantly reduced LA function as measured by speckle tracking when compared to normotensive controls (P-value < 0.001). Also, many factors were associated with worse LA function in hypertensive patients as old age, high BMI, DM, LV diastolic dysfunction, high LV mass index, larger LA size, lower LA expansion index and higher systolic BP. Conclusion: Speckle tracking echocardiography is a useful novel technique in detecting LA dysfunction in hypertension even before LA enlargement occurs.

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