Disorders of left ventricular structure and function in chronic uremia: how often, why and what to do with it?

Left ventricular (LV) structure and function abnormalities are frequent in individuals with chronic uraemia; these disorders are at increased risk of cardiovascular and overall morbidity and mortality in the pre-dialyzed population, during dialysis treatment and in renal transplant recipients. This review will attempt to summarize current knowledge of the prevalence, pathophysiological mechanisms of LV disease in chronic uraemia and to discuss useful medical strategies in this population. (C) 1999 European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved.