Why the study?
Recent device-based studies challenge traditional paradigms of SCD in CKD by revealing a heterogeneous arrhythmic spectrum, necessitating a shift from descriptive epidemiology to mechanism-driven prevention.
Design
Narrative, non-systematic review
Key result
Sudden cardiac death accounts for roughly 25% to 33% of all deaths and up to 60% to 75% of cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis, with bradyarrhythmias as frequent as tachyarrhythmias.
Authors
Loading...
Captured external expert commentary on this paper, strongest first. Original sources are linked where available.
“Zoccali et al. provide a timely and comprehensive review of this challenging field with recommendations that will help better understand phenotype, pathophysiology and lead toward appropriate intervention in high-risk individuals.”
Temporal clustering of SCD around interdialytic intervals warrants targeted surveillance in hemodialysis; extends prior epidemiology via systematic synthesis.
This review highlights that sudden cardiac death in dialysis patients is frequently caused by bradyarrhythmias and conduction disease rather than just ventricular tachyarrhythmias, necessitating a multifaceted prevention approach involving medical therapy, dialysis optimization, and device therapy.
Zoccali et al. (2026) conducted a review in Chronic kidney disease and dialysis. Sudden cardiac death accounts for roughly 25% to 33% of all deaths and up to 60% to 75% of cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis, with bradyarrhythmias as frequent as tachyarrhythmias.