What can be a cause for severe low blood pressure?

Question

What causes a person with End Stage Renal Disease to have severe low blood pressure before dialysis, and after dialysis? There is no other medical evidence of why it runs generally low all the time, ranging from 70/27 etc....even sometimes lower.

Answer 1

If your bp is this low (70/27) all the time, then the most likely culprit is your blood pressure meds, or other meds like nitro. Ask your nurse at your next treatment if your current meds could be causing this. It is especially important to note WHEN during the day you take them. At my clinic we want our patients to wait until after their treatment to take medication that affects their bp.

However, if this low blood pressure has only been occurring during the last few treatments, then maybe your estimated dry weight has increased (in other words, you've gained actual weight, not fluid weight). You might ask your nurse to check to make sure your dry weight is accurate.

Answer 2

It could be due to hypovolemia as you are on dialysis and are probably on diuretics like Lasix (furosemide). There is a fine line to balance when you have kidney failure and want to hydrate as often as needed. You may simply be dehydrated which can cause hypovolemia and a low BP. Without an assessment and lab work, though, I cannot say for sure. Ask your doctor about this as it can be quite common amongst dialysis patients. Good luck to you!

Answer 3

You need to see a good doctor!

Answer 4

You need iron vitamins