What is a major risk factor for cardiac arrest in dialysis patients?

Dialysis patients face a higher likelihood of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to several interconnected factors related to their condition. Patients with chronic kidney disease often experience significant cardiovascular issues, including hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, and vascular access complications. The inherent fragility of their overall health makes them more susceptible to acute cardiac events.

In addition, many dialysis patients do not have immediate access to rapid medical intervention in the event of a cardiac arrest, which increases the likelihood that such an event will occur outside of a hospital setting. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases tend to have poorer survival rates compared to those that occur in a hospital where advanced medical care is readily available.

Therefore, recognizing the elevated risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is crucial in managing and monitoring the health of dialysis patients. Addressing their cardiovascular risks, ensuring proper dialysis treatment, and implementing preventive measures can help mitigate this significant risk.