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Fatigue in dialysis patients linked to increased risk of cardiovascular eve

Category: Diabetes

According to a recent study, high test scores on a new fatigue rating scale may predict an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients.

Researchers from Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan had nearly 800 dialysis patients complete a fatigue questionnaire, finding that approximately 16 percent of individuals had a high fatigue score. After two years of follow-up, patients with high test results were more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.

"Our research identifies fatigue as an important bio-alarm to predict cardiovascular events in dialysis patients, particularly those who are well-nourished and healthy-looking," concluded lead study author Hidenori Koyama.

He added that fatigue was the strongest predictor of cardiovascular disease risk, even in individuals with high risk factors such diabetes, malnutrition and previous heart problems.

The researchers noted that additional studies need to be conducted to validate the relationship between fatigue in dialysis patients and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Health Day News.

"Another important question is whether interventions for fatigue will be effective in preventing cardiovascular events," Koyama added.