By Life Quotes, Inc. Staff

Dialysis patients at a heightened risk for sudden cardiac death. Around a half-million Americans require dialysis to treat kidney disease, and nearly half the deaths that occur to that populous is caused by cardiovascular disease, according to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Due to a lack of research on the matter, physicians are unclear why these deaths occur, but Northwestern Medicine cardiologist Dr. Rod Passman made it clear that “the lack of research complicates clinicians’ ability to understand the connection between renal disease and cardiovascular disease,” he commented.

A recent study by the United States Renal Disease Data System indicates longer dialysis duration is associated with higher mortality, and according to Passman, “the data also leads us to believe that end-stage renal disease is a primary promoter of cardiac disease and increased risk for sudden cardiac death.”

Passman explained that the best methods for prevention revolve around medicinal options such as beta-adrenergic blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and several other prevention methods.

According to NPR, the cost of dialysis treatment is among the highest and the American mortality rate for dialysis patients is one of the worst, as it was cited that one in four patients will die within 12 months of starting treatment. Situations such as these proves the importance of life insurance for those medically in need.

This article was originally published by Life Quotes, Inc.