Opportunities for improvement in the cardiovascular care of patients with end-stage renal disease

Cardiovascular disease accounts for the majority of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Studies have identified several explanations for this observation, such as high rates of cardiovascular risk factors, lesser use of cardioprotective strategies, adverse outcomes with cardiovascular drugs and procedures, and accelerated atherosclerosis and myocardial disease in ESRD. Based on these findings, this article addresses the critical opportunities for improvement in cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ESRD. These improvements include prevention of cardiovascular events, management of acute coronary syndromes and heart failure, and the prevention of sudden death.