High-Output Heart Failure, Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Failure in Patients With Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Call to Action

Cardiovascular disease is 1 of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). At his time, much of the literature has focused on the incidence and prognosis of atherosclerotic coronary disease and heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. More recently, the role of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as a cause of high-output heart failure (HOHF), pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular (RV) failure has been reported. The focus of this article is the importance of early recognition and management of HOHF and/or PH after the creation of an AVF, which may facilitate improved outcomes and, if needed, the opportunity for renal transplant.