Problems with Dialysis
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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. Dialysis treatment works to take off the extra fluid and salt that may build up between treaments. However, the best cure for this type of high blood pressure is prevention. Watch your fluid and salt intake carefully.
Some patients develop high blood pressure during hemodialysis. As fluid is removed, the heart pumps more efficiently. This may cause a rise in blood pressure. If the rise is severe, your doctor may prescribe medication.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure may occur during hemodialysis most often occurs at the end of your treatment. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure: blurred vision, light-headedness, dizziness, hot flashes, muscle cramping, nausea, and vomiting.
Controlling Blood Pressure
In general, most patients have only moderate changes in their blood pressure. To help maintain adequate blood pressure, the staff will frequently take your blood pressure, adjust the dialysis rate (how the machine removes fluid from your blood), and give you saline or other medications, as necessary.
Uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Last updated on: February 22, 2008