Controlling Blood Pressure Levels in Dialysis Patients

The word blood pressure is a term used by medical professionals to explain the measurement of the force of blood exacted on the arterial vessels of the body. It is usually measured in two numbers; the first is referred to as the systolic blood pressure which measures one’s heartbeat and the amount of pressure used to pump blood in the entire body. The second number is called the diastolic blood pressure which is used to measure the amount of pressure when the heart is at rest.

The unit of measurement of blood pressure is in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). An example is when the blood pressure of a person taken is 128/70mmHg, which is interpreted as ‘128 over 70’. The normal blood pressure is always around 130/80mmHg.

The Importance of Blood Pressure reading in Dialysis Patients

It is crucial to always check one’s blood pressure especially if he/she is undergoing dialysis. The reason is that they are always at a higher risk of developing hypertension, or what is commonly known as high blood pressure. The initial phase of this condition comes with a lot of risks including; heart attacks, cerebrovascular accidents, heart valve disease, and low supply of blood to the lower extremities of the human body. Therefore, such patients need to keep their blood pressure within the normal range to reduce their chances of developing these complications.

In some situations, one can also experience low blood pressure, which is commonly known as hypotension.

 

How High Blood Pressure Develops during Dialysis Sessions

To understand increased blood pressure there is always a vital component that goes hand in hand with blood pressure and fluid balance. If a person consumes too much fluid in their diet, it is accumulated in the body; the cells in the body then push the excess water into the blood system and the other surrounding tissues.

This process occurs more among chronic kidney disease patients due to the reduction of urine output. This excess fluid in circulation can cause an increase in blood pressure, and edema, which is commonly called swelling around the ankles, legs, and face. In some cases, the excess fluid can find its way into the lungs resulting in the development of pulmonary edema and can affect the way one breathes.

Dialysis sessions are the only methods that can help in removing the excess fluid from the body. There is always a change in blood pressure during the sessions, and usually one will have a lower initial blood pressure before the initiation of the dialysis. It is important to note that one’s blood pressure is always taken before, during, and after hemodialysis.

Therefore, it is crucial to know the right balance between urine output and the amount of fluid consumed.

How Low Blood Pressure Develops during Dialysis Sessions

Low pressure can occur among patients who undergo dialysis due to removal of extra fluid in the body at a faster rate between dialysis, due to accumulation of too much fluid in the body. This method always comes with many challenges including feeling sick, dizziness, and muscle cramps.

It is important to monitor and reduce the fluid a patient consumes between dialysis sessions, to lower the risk of developing low blood pressure.

How Dialysis Patients should take Antihypertensive Drugs

Most of the patients who undergo dialysis will require taking blood pressure tablets to assist in normalizing blood pressure levels. These medications are normally taken on the days one does not have to take a dialysis session.

One point to note is that these tablets always work in different ways and may require one to use different tablets to find out which one best fits their needs. Hence, it is recommended that you consult a physician to find out which one will work for you.

What is Dry Weight?

This term is used to refer to the ideal weight one has after dialysis. It is the weight that is aimed because there is no excess fluid accumulation in the body. There is only one way to know if the dry weight has been achieved or not; by checking the patient’s blood pressure after dialysis. This will tell if enough extra fluid in the body was removed and if the targeted dry weight was achieved.

Benefits of Reducing Dry Weight

Increased or high blood pressure among dialysis patients is usually caused by the accumulation of too much fluid in the body. Reducing one’s dry weight can aid in maintaining a good blood pressure level. This comes with a benefit; reduction or stoppage of antihypertensive medication among patients who have normal blood pressure and have a true dry weight.

Ways to Improve High Blood Pressure during Dialysis

• Stick to the fluid allowance per day.
• Reduce the intake of salt in the diet.
• Control blood sugar levels if the patient is diabetic.
• Take medications as prescribed.
• Exercise regularly to remain fit.

Ways to Improve Low Blood Pressure during Dialysis

• Stand up gradually.
• Avoid standing up for long periods.
• Wear support stockings if allowed by a healthcare provider.
• Eat smaller frequent meals.

Written by: Jackson Omanwa

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