HYP-HD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the prevalence and clinical associations of intra-dialytic hypertension for adults receiving haemodialysis
IRAS ID
363836
Contact name
James Burton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
People with kidney failure who require haemodialysis face a high risk of heart and blood vessel problems, which can cause symptoms, reduce quality of life, lead to frequent hospital visits, limit eligibility for kidney transplants, and increase healthcare costs. A common complication of kidney failure is unstable blood pressure, which can be worsened by haemodialysis.
During haemodialysis, large amounts of blood are filtered and returned to the body to remove waste and excess fluid. This often causes blood pressure to drop (intradialytic hypotension). However, in 13–15% of patients, blood pressure rises during or immediately after dialysis (intradialytic hypertension). The exact reasons are not fully understood but likely involve changes in the body’s blood pressure regulation, kidney disease complications, medications, and the dialysis process itself. This condition is linked to higher rates of hospitalisation and death, but it is often overlooked and poorly managed, and little is known about the symptoms patients may experience.
People receiving haemodialysis are also at higher risk of cognitive problems. Studies show up to 70% of patients over 55, and 10% of those aged 21–39, have moderate-to-severe difficulties with thinking and memory. Kidney disease increases dementia risk, and cognitive issues in dialysis patients may arise from cardiovascular problems, toxin build-up, chronic inflammation, anaemia, and the effects of dialysis. Haemodialysis may contribute more to cognitive decline than other dialysis types due to sudden blood flow changes, small vessel damage, and impaired brain blood flow regulation. Some evidence links fluctuations in blood pressure during dialysis to mild cognitive problems, but little is known about how intradialytic hypertension specifically affects thinking and memory.
This study aims to find out how common intradialytic hypertension is among adults receiving regular haemodialysis in the Leicester Renal Network and to examine the clinical characteristics of patients who experience high blood pressure during or immediately after dialysis.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0338
Date of REC Opinion
31 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion