Johns Hopkins researchers report says that sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death in kidney failure patients, and malnutrition and inflammation are two major risk factors for fatal heart attacks in these people.

Data from 1041 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis was analyzed and the researchers found that there were 658 deaths (including 146 cases of sudden cardiac death) over 9.5 years.

After that the team examined previously recorded results of blood test from 122 (out of 146 sudden deaths) patents to note the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) interleukin-6 (IL-6) and albumin. The proteins hsCRP and IL-6 are known as the makers of common blood vessel and organ inflammation, while low albumin levels are linked to malnutrition.

The researchers found that patients with high levels of hsCRP or IL-6 had two times higher risk of experiencing sudden cardiac death. The study has been published online and expected to be in the Kidney International Nov.3 issue.

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