Physical Activity Reduces Heart-Related Deaths in Hemodialysis Patients

Regular physical activity is directly associated with a longer life expectancy in hemodialysis patients and reduces heart-related deaths. These results came from a new study on 6147 European and Argentinian patients receiving hemodialysis. The study defined physical activity as participating in activities like work, household chores, travel, or leisure. Heart-related deaths included sudden death, heart attack, atherosclerotic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, valvular heart disease, pulmonary edema, and congestive heart failure. 

Occasional physical activity was associated with a 20% lower risk for overall deaths and an 18% lower risk for heart-related deaths. Frequent physical activity was associated with an 18% lower risk for overall fatalities and a 23% lower risk for heart-related deaths. As physical activity increased, the risk of heart-related deaths significantly decreased. Investigators adjusted results for patients’ diets. These results show that even low levels of physical activities without risk of injuries can yield a positive effect on lowering the risk for death in these patients – Dr. Bernier-Jean’s team concluded during the study. This study also encourages future randomized controlled trials of low-intensity physical activity for sedentary adults receiving hemodialysis.