What Can We Do To Prevent Hypotension Post Dialysis

Hypotension or low blood pressure is a common complication after dialysis. Up to 50% of patients experience symptomatic reductions in blood pressure following dialysis. There are many potential causes of this disorder. Depending on underlying problem, treatment with medication may or may not result in effective management. Well, what can we do to prevent low blood pressure post dialysis?

1. Stop food ingestion

More frequently, hemodialysis-associated hypotension is a result of other factors. For instance, food ingestion is a cause of hypotension. The mechanism of action is decreased systemic vascular resistance. The obvious solution for this kind of hypotension is to stop food ingestion before and during dialysis.

2. A reaction to the hemodialysis membrane

Hypotension can also represent a reaction to the hemodialysis membrane. Switching to a dialysis machine with another form of membrane may solve this problem.

3. Dry weight

Accurate assessment of the patient’s dry weight is important for all patients undergoing hemodialysis. In fact, dry weight may change over time, depending on such variables as hematocrit and concurrent illness. An inaccurate dry weight may cause inappropriate dialysis, which in turn can lead to low blood pressure. Continual reassessment of a patient’s dry weight may prevent this problem.

4. Appropriate dialysate sodium concentration

Appropriate dialysate sodium concentration is another important solution in the prevention of hemodialysis-associated low blood pressure.

5. Treatment for Suboptimal cardiac function

Suboptimal cardiac function can also cause hemodialysis-associated low blood pressure. For patients with poor left ventricular function, treatment to optimize cardiac function can solve this problem.

The above are only some of the many potential causes of hemodialysis-associated hypotension. Identifying the reason why you is experiencing hypotension is the most important step in understanding whether medical therapy is used. If you have any question, please leave us a message below or send an email to kidneycares@hotmail.com. We will reply you within 24 hours.