Why Does Low Blood Pressure Present In Dialysis

2015-03-03 11:55

Dialysis is an important therapy in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). It can not only prolong patients’ life span but also improve patients’ life quality. However, during dialysis, various complications may also occur. Low blood pressure is rather common in dialysis and it will affect the efficacy of dialysis or even threaten life. Therefore, effective prevention for low blood pressure plays an important role in dialysis.

What causes low blood pressure in dialysis?

Low blood pressure occurs because the body tries to maintain the balance of fluid between the bloodstream and the other issues. As fluid is pulled out of the blood through the dialyser, the volume of fluid in the bloodstream starts to drop. The body starts to transfer fluid from the tissue space into the bloodstream. During this process, the patient may suffer a drop in blood pressure if he does not have enough fluid in the tissue space to transfer or if the transfer cannot occur quickly enough.

Other factors for low blood pressure in dialysis include malnutrition, poor heart function, nervous system disorder and some medications for hypertension.

What will happen with low blood pressure?

First, low blood pressure will affect the quality of dialysis.

Second, hypotension will do damages on other organs.

Relapsed hypotension will cause the loss of residual kidney function, decreased of urine volume. In this condition, patients have to follow strict water consumption and have a strict diet.

What should you do for dialysis?

Prevent weight gain during dialysis

Do not take food during dialysis so as not to cause blood distribution and lead to low blood pressure

Regulate concentration of dialysate sodium and calcium, and reduce dialysate temperature. This can also prevent low blood pressure.

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