Clin Nephrol
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effect of propranolol on heart rate variability in patients with end-stage renal disease: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover pilot trial.
Low heart rate variability (HRV) is an independent risk factor of cardiac mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It has been explained by uremic parasympathetic neuropathy. Sympathetic overactivity can also reduce HRV. Our aim was to determine whether there is vagal activity in ESRD patients that is masked by sympathetic activity. ⋯ Low HFV of ESRD patients can be improved by beta-adrenergic blockade. It demonstrates that there is some vagal activity in ESRD that is masked by sympathetic activity. Therefore, altered sympathovagal balance of ESRD patients should be taken into consideration in the assessment of vagal uremic neuropathy.