
In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving dialysis, elevated blood pressure is common and poorly controlled in general. 4 Although volume overload and sodium retention appear to be the main pathogenic mechanism of hypertension in this population, other factors such as increased arterial stiffness, activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, sleep apnea, activation of sympathetic nervous system, and use of recombinant erythropoietin may be also involved. 5
What happens if your blood pressure is too high during dialysis?
It can occur when too much fluid is removed from the blood during hemodialysis. This causes pressure to drop, and nausea and dizziness can result. Tell your dialysis team if you experience any of these issues. Medication for high blood pressure should usually not be taken before treatment, unless the doctor prescribes it that way.
Why is blood pressure checked on dialysis patients?
Blood pressure is checked in all medical settings, but it is even more significant for patients on dialysis. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can create problems during dialysis. Know the symptoms so you can alert staff and get treatment quickly.
What are the risk factors for low blood pressure during dialysis?
Risk Factors. Certain patients are more likely to see debilitating drops in their blood pressure during dialysis. While these observations do not suffice as acceptable medical evidence, a quick review of the literature reveals that certain patients are more likely to see blood pressure drops. Patients with too low dry weight.
How do you manage high blood pressure on peritoneal dialysis?
Managing high blood pressure in peritoneal dialysis patients. Keeping the blood pressure in optimal range first requires that a person’s fluid be managed well. Too little fluid in the body may cause the blood pressure to be low, and can be associated with symptoms such as leg cramps, nausea and lightheadedness.

Why is my blood pressure high during dialysis?
intradialytic hypertension is caused by an increase in stroke volume and/or vasoconstriction with an inappropriate elevation in PVR during hemodialysis; therefore, it appears plausible that stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system should contribute its development.
How do you control high blood pressure during dialysis?
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used to reduce BP for dialysis patients as well as general hypertensive population. They are effective for overhydrated state commonly observed in HD patients [29].
Is high blood pressure normal for dialysis patients?
Hypertension is common among patients with chronic kidney disease and often remains poorly controlled in hemodialysis patients. Recently, a large cohort study found that the variability of blood pressure (BP) within patients was at least as great as variability seen between patients.
Can you have dialysis with high blood pressure?
People who are on dialysis need blood pressure medicines to ensure their blood pressure remains under control. Blood pressure is caused by too much fluid in the body, and reducing the dry weight can help a patient on dialysis. The problem of high blood pressure has become more common now than ever before.
How to prevent hypotension during dialysis?
To prevent hypotension during dialysis, take in adequate protein, as it helps fluid move from tissues into the bloodstream. The protein level is usually reflected as albumin in the lab. Patients are often encouraged to increase consumption of fish, eggs and chicken when albumin is low.
How to avoid hypotension?
Another important way to avoid hypotension is to keep fluid intake low between treatments so the change in body fluid isn’t so drastic. Removal of large amounts of fluid makes the treatment much harder on the heart. Weight gains between treatments should be no more than 5% of dry body weight.
What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?
The first, systolic blood pressure, represents the “working” phase of your heart, or the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart contracts. The second, diastolic blood pressure, represents the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart “rests” between beats. Though individuals vary, generally a blood pressure before dialysis should be ...
Can you take BP medication at night?
If a patient takes BP medication at night, and then arrives at dialysis with very high blood pressure in the morning, either: 1) fluid gains are too high or 2) the evening dose is not adequate. This is dangerous. Patients’ checks of blood pressure at home morning and evening can help the doctor optimize timing and dosages.
Does dialysis medication increase urine output?
One medication may increase urine output, another relaxes the blood vessels, and another improves heart rate, contractions or output. Some medications are available in combination, so patients may want to ask their doctor for options. Blood pressure medications can affect dialysis.
Can low blood pressure cause dialysis?
Know the symptoms so you can alert staff and get treatment quickly. Common symptoms of low blood pressure can include dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps, and, in more severe cases, chest pain and loss of consciousness. Blood pressure may drop at any time ...
Can high blood pressure cause heart failure?
High BP can cause congestive heart failure due to an increased load on the heart. Damage to vessel walls leads to atherosclerosis. In many dialysis patients, it is high blood pressure that prompted renal failure in the first place: the high force of blood pushed into very small vessels of the kidney causing scarring and thickening ...
What is the blood pressure reading for peritoneal dialysis?
High blood pressure in peritoneal dialysis patients is defined as a blood pressure reading of greater than 140/90 – the same as patients without kidney disease.
Why is it important to know when blood pressure is rising?
Defining when rising blood pressure becomes hypertension is important, because having this condition raises the risk of serious complications, such as strokes, heart attacks and premature death. Reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension reduces the risks of such events. High blood pressure is even more common in persons ...
How to achieve proper weight and fluid status?
Achieving the proper weight and fluid status can usually be accomplished by adjusting the concentration of dextrose – a type of sugar – in PD dialysate exchanges under the supervision of a nephrologist and peritoneal dialysis nurse.
What is peritoneal dialysis?
Peritoneal dialysis is a daily treatment that may help keep blood pressure in an optimal range without additional medicines. Careful attention to fluid management and the proper use of appropriate medications usually will keep the blood pressure under good control.
What is the BP of a person?
Elevated blood pressure (BP), also known as hypertension, is common in modern day society. Approximately 30 percent of adult Americans are believed to have hypertension when defined as a blood pressure greater than 140 (systolic – the top number is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out) over 90 ...
Can peritoneal dialysis cause leg cramps?
Keeping the blood pressure in optimal range first requires that a person’s fluid be managed well. Too little fluid in the body may cause the blood pressure to be low, and can be associated with symptoms such as leg cramps, nausea and lightheadedness.
Is low blood pressure bad for dialysis patients?
In contrast, excessively low blood pressure may be potentially harmful to dialysis patients. There remains some confusion as to exactly what is an optimal blood pressure for patients on peritoneal dialysis, and it seems true that the optimal blood pressure may be different for some patients in comparison to others.
How much of hemodialysis patients have intraadialytic hypertension?
Intradialytic hypertension affects up to 15% of hemodialysis patients and occurs more frequently in patients who are older, have lower dry weights, are prescribed more antihypertensive medications, and have lower serum creatinine.
What is intradialysis hypertension?
Intradialytic hypertension, defined as an increase in blood pressure during or immediately after hemodialysis which results in postdialysis hypertension, has long been recognized to complicate the hemodialysis procedure, yet it is often largely ignored. In light of recent investigations which have suggested intradialytic hypertension is associated ...
What happens if you miss dialysis?
In certain instances, the trigger is clear; such as a patient who has missed a few dialysis treatments, is above their dry weight and develops intradialytic hypertension. After a few treatment sessions and a return to their normal dry weight, the intradialytic hypertension usually resolves.
When should antihypertensive agents be reviewed?
Antihypertensive regimen. Class of antihypertensive agents, timing and dosing should be reviewed when patients have intradialytic hypertension. As certain ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are removed by dialysis; these medications should be changed to non-dialyzed antihypertensives.
Is intradialytic hypertension multifactorial?
While the pathophysiology of intradialytic hypertension is uncertain, it is likely multifactorial and includes subclinical volume overload, sympathetic overactivity, activation of the renin angiotensin system, endothelial cell dysfunction, and specific dialytic techniques.
Is intradialytic hypertension associated with adverse outcomes?
In light of recent investigations which have suggested intradialytic hypertension is associated with adverse outcomes, this review will broadly cover the epidemiology, prognostic significance, potential pathogenic mechanisms, prevention, and possible treatment of intradialytic hypertension.
Can nitric oxide cause hypertension?
Imbalances in endothelial-derived hormones, such as nitric oxide (NO; a smooth muscle vasodilator) and endothelin 1 (a vasoconstrictor), can lead to hypotension or hypertension during HD. To date, 3 studies have investigated balances in endothelial-derived factors in patients with intradialytic hypertension.
What is the BP of a patient on hemodialysis?
Hypertension (defined as mean predialysis systolic BP greater than 150 mm Hg, or diastolic BP greater than 85 mm Hg, or the use of antihypertensive medications) is found in about 86% of clinically stable, adult hemodialysis patients.
What are the characteristics of hypertension in hemodialysis patients?
In dialysis patients, accelerated age-related changes in vascular stiffness, combined with factors peculiar to uremia, contribute to a loss of large and small vessel distensibility.
Is atenolol safe for dialysis patients?
The beneficial effects may be related to decreases in extracellular water content. Supervised therapy with atenolol or lisinopril has proven safe and effective in controlling hypertension in dialysis patients.
What are the side effects of hemodialysis?
Low blood pressure. The most common side effect of hemodialysis is low blood pressure. It can occur when too much fluid is removed from the blood during hemodialysis. This causes pressure to drop, and nausea and dizziness can result. Tell your dialysis team if you experience any of these issues.
What happens when you exchange dialysis?
When patients do an exchange (the process of filling, dwelling and draining dialysis solution), the pressure from the dialysis solution in the peritoneum pushes against these already weak muscles. This pressure could cause a tear, and organs from the abdominal cavity could emerge through the opening.
What are the side effects of PD?
Side effects of PD. 1. Hernia. A hernia is a potential side effect of PD, a type of home dialysis treatment. The muscles of the abdominal wall protect the internal organs and keep them in place. The insertion of a catheter—positioned inside and outside of the body to allow dialysis solution into and out of the abdominal cavity—can weaken these ...
Can dialysis cause weight gain?
Weight gain can also come from the sugar in the dialysis solution being absorbed by the body and lead to extra pounds. Talk to a renal dietitian and nurse to learn how to balance nutritional needs and achieve comfort while on PD.
Can you eat phosphorus on dialysis?
Phosphorous isn't effectively removed by dialysis, so foods with phosphorus are restricted on the renal diet. Following the dietitian's guidelines and taking a phosphorus binder can help prevent this side effect. Dialysis patients are also prone to dry skin, which can be the cause of itching.
Can PD catheters cause nausea?
In PD, exchanges through the PD catheter must be done carefully to lessen the risk of infection. However, there's still a chance of peritonitis, which is an infection where the catheter is placed in the abdomen. Peritonitis can cause fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.
Can hemodialysis cause muscle cramps?
Muscle cramps. Patients sometimes experience muscle cramps while undergoing hemodialysis. Occasionally, when fluid is taken out of the body at a fast rate during dialysis or too much fluid is removed, the muscles react by cramping. A doctor may be able to recommend some remedies. 6.
What is a drop in blood pressure during hemodialysis?
A drop in blood pressure is a common complication during hemodialysis. In medical jargon, the phenomenon is called intra-dialytic hypotension. It can be a debilitating problem, as it often requires cutting dialysis treatments short, leading to inadequate dialysis therapy.
What are the risk factors for dialysis?
The recommendations will depend on an individual patient's needs and risk factors, but may include: Avoiding meals during dialysis.
What are the symptoms of intraadialytic hypotension?
Patients will often complain of muscle cramps, back, chest, or abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness.
How to avoid weight gain on dialysis?
Avoiding meals during dialysis. Avoid taking blood pressure medications just prior to dialysis or consider switching times. Avoiding weight gain between successive dialysis treatment, as the less fluid that needs to be removed, the easier it is for the circulatory system to maintain blood pressure.
Does dialysis cause blood pressure to drop?
Research and observations from medical professionals seem to indicate that some patients are more likely to experience drops in blood pressure related to dialysis treatment. In a study from 2017, researchers observed that patients with sepsis and obstructive kidney disease seemed more likely to develop hypotension. 2
Why is my blood pressure higher at the doctor's office?
White coat hypertension. This term describes blood pressure that is higher at the doctor’s office, often because the person is anxious about the appointment. published in 2013 concluded that people with white coat hypertension should be monitored for heart disease risk factors, especially abnormal blood sugar levels.
What causes blood pressure to spike?
3. Emotional upset, anxiety, and stress. Strong emotions, particularly stress and anxiety, can cause blood pressure to spike. This is the body’s natural response to a stressful event, and the pressure will eventually return to normal as the person calms down.
How do doctors determine the cause of blood pressure?
First, a doctor will determine the underlying cause. They will ask about a person’s history and discuss their lifestyle and current medications. The doctor may also order or conduct tests. Medications can lower blood pressure and prevent dangerous fluctuations.
Why is it important to check blood pressure?
It is important that a person have a medical professional check their blood pressure regularly, because blood pressure can reveal a lot about a person’s health. Share on Pinterest. Michael Moeller/EyeEm/Getty Images.
What medications can temporarily lower blood pressure?
Certain medications can temporarily reduce blood pressure. They include: diuretics. beta-blockers and other heart medications. tricyclic antidepressants. medications for high blood pressure, especially if the dose is too high. medications for Parkinson’s disease.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
Symptoms of dangerously low blood pressure include dizziness, nausea, and fainting. 5. Illegal drugs. Cocaine. Trusted Source. and methamphetamine can cause extreme spikes in blood pressure.
Is it normal for blood pressure to fluctuate?
It is normal for blood pressure to vary slightly throughout the day, but blood pressure that fluctuates from one extreme to the other should be monitored and managed. Home remedies, lifestyle changes, and some medications can help regulate blood pressure. It is important that a person have a medical professional check their blood pressure ...
