Staying hydrated is essential all year round, but most people need to drink more throughout the hot months. Dehydration happens quickly, especially when you're not replenishing the fluids you lose through sweat.
Did you know that not keeping the body hydrated can lead to serious blood pressure problems? Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep blood pressure stable and prevents potentially life-threatening problems.
Blood pressure problems are one of the problems the team at Metro Renal Associates addresses. Our three experienced nephrologists in Washington, D.C. and Capitol Heights, Maryland, diagnose and treat high blood pressure and other issues associated with the kidneys.
Dehydration happens when your body doesn't have enough water—but why is that important? Water makes up about 60% of your body. In fact, most of your blood is water.
So why does this matter? Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than it takes in, affecting various aspects of your health. Since every part of your body contains water, dehydration is dangerous.
Dehydration depletes your blood of water, causing less blood volume and less oxygenated blood to go to the organs. One of the significant signs of dehydration is feeling thirsty. Other symptoms you may notice include:
There are a lot of ways you can end up dehydrated. Being sick and vomiting or having diarrhea leads to fluid loss that's difficult to replace. Sweating and frequent urination also lead to a fluid deficit and dehydration.
Blood pressure changes happen with dehydration as well—but why? Water makes up more than half the body, and blood flows to every tissue and organ.
Dehydration leads to a lower volume of blood, which means the tissue and organs aren't getting the proper amount of oxygenated blood. The more dehydrated you are, the less blood is circulating in the body.
Extreme dehydration causes the blood pressure to decrease, potentially causing life-threatening shock. Low blood pressure is anything less than 90 systolic over 60 diastolic.
The only way to restore low blood pressure is to drink plenty of water and seek help for severe dehydration.
Dehydration, which occurs in response to a drop in blood volume, can also raise blood pressure. Although dehydration initially causes low blood pressure, the body has protective measures.
When blood volume drops from dehydration, sodium levels rise. The increase in sodium triggers the body to release vasopressin, an essential hormone. Vasopressin causes the kidneys to reabsorb fluid instead of excreting it through urine.
Vasopressin also leads to blood vessel constriction, increasing blood pressure, which typically isn't an issue. However, if you already have high blood pressure or hypertension, vasopressin release for dehydration can be hazardous.
Dehydration causes several health issues, including dangerous changes in blood pressure, but you can prevent fluid loss. The most significant tip is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially when sweating or in the heat.
The fluid you require daily depends on various factors, including your age, weight, and activity level. Not everyone enjoys drinking plain water, but there are other options for hydration, including:
It's also essential to drink water when you feel thirsty. Your body's way of telling you you're beginning to lose too much fluid. Drink more fluids when it's hot outside or when you're engaging in vigorous physical activity.
Our team is here to help you understand how to keep your body hydrated to prevent blood pressure problems and potentially dangerous complications.
Call Metro Renal Associates today to schedule an appointment for hematuria, or use our convenient online booking tool to request a consultation with one of our providers.
