High blood pressure is a condition that causes the pressure within your blood vessels to become higher than normal. When not treated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health consequences, including heart attack and stroke.
Many factors can influence blood pressure, including hydration status. Dehydration can cause blood pressure to increase (hypertension) or decrease (hypotension) depending on the individual and their overall health. Keep reading to learn the answer to “Can dehydration cause high blood pressure.”
What Causes Dehydration?
Dehydration can occur for many different reasons. However, it is usually caused by not drinking enough fluids or being unable to keep fluids down during an illness. Other causes of dehydration can include:
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Frequent Urination
- Drinking beverages that can increase urination, like alcohol or coffee
- Kidney disease or diabetes.
Can Dehydration Cause Low Blood Pressure?
When you do not drink enough water and become dehydrated, the volume or amount of your blood decreases. Maintaining a normal blood volume is vital so that oxygen-rich blood can nourish your organs and body tissues. When the blood volume decreases due to dehydration, it can prevent oxygen from reaching essential organs like your heart. Symptoms of low blood pressure can include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Shallow or fast breathing
- Weakness and fatigue
- Confusion
Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure?
When you become dehydrated, sodium levels in the blood rise, which causes the body to release a hormone called vasopressin. Vasopressin causes blood vessels to constrict and the kidneys to hold onto water, increasing blood pressure. This reaction typically only becomes a problem if the dehydrated person is already dealing with high blood pressure. High blood pressure does not usually cause symptoms. However, some people may experience palpitations, headaches, or chest pain.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Before dehydration causes changes in your blood pressure, you will likely experience many other symptoms, including:
- Decrease in urination
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Bad breath
- Dry skin
- Muscle cramping
How to Avoid Dehydration
Drinking enough water throughout the day is the only way to prevent dehydration. Although the recommended daily amount can vary from person to person, you should aim to drink approximately eight glasses of water per day.
When to Speak to A Doctor
If you are concerned that dehydration could affect your blood pressure, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, talk to a doctor before serious issues arise.
Talk to a doctor about the question, “Can dehydration cause high blood pressure?” – schedule an appointment with an internal medicine specialist today!