Low Blood Pressure - A Danger Due to Dehydration

Introduction

Dehydration is a condition in which the fluid loss from the body is higher than the fluid intake. Due to low water intake, the body becomes dehydrated, which means the amount of blood is decreased. Other conditions in which the body becomes dehydrated are vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, diuretic overuse, or vigorous exercises. This leads to a drop in blood volume. This causes the blood pressure to drop (hypotension). A drop in blood volume can result in a potentially dangerous lowering of blood pressure and even shock.

What Is Dehydration?

Dehydration is when a considerable amount of fluid is lost from the body. As a result of which, the body cannot operate normally. This is seen when the amount of fluid lost exceeds the fluid intake. Dehydration might also occur on a particular day when the temperature is too high. If a person sweats a lot or is sick with fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, dehydration can be seen. It can also occur if one does not drink enough water or takes a medication that elevates urine output. When a person is not properly hydrated, the body's natural response is thirst. This should be responded to right away by drinking an adequate amount of fluids, preferably water. The consumption of more fluids can overcome mild dehydration. But, dehydration is sometimes difficult to spot. It can be frequently found in elderly people who forget to drink water or babies who cannot tell they are thirsty. In severe cases of dehydration, one might need to go to the hospital to get IV (intravenous) fluids. If left untreated for a longer time, severe dehydration can become fatal.

What Are the Causes of Dehydration?

The primary reason is not drinking enough fluids. There can be some other possible causes of dehydration, such as:

• Illness: Any illness, like high fever, can cause dehydration. Vomiting and diarrhea also can result in a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes.

• Increased Sweating: Water is lost when a person sweats. An increase in sweating can be seen in hot weather, during exercise, etc.

• Frequent Urination: Loss of fluids takes place by urination. A few medications like diuretics, underlying conditions such as diabetes, and alcohol consumption can be the reason for more frequent urination.

What Are the Symptoms of Dehydration?

Symptoms of dehydration have a huge range. These symptoms are different in children and adults. Some of the symptoms of dehydration in young children are:

• Dry tongue and dry lips.

• No tears when crying.

• Less than six wet diapers per day (for infants), and no wet diapers or urination for eight hours (in toddlers).

• Sunken soft spot on the head of the infant.

• Sunken eyes.

• Dry, wrinkled skin.

• Deep, rapid breathing.

• Cool, blotchy hands and feet.

Symptoms of dehydration that can be seen in adults are:

• Headache, delirium, and confusion.

• Tiredness (fatigue).

• Dizziness, weakness, and lightheadedness.

• Dry mouth or a dry cough.

• High heart rate but low blood pressure.

• Loss of appetite but maybe craving sugar.

• Flushed (red) skin.

• Swollen feet.

• Muscle cramps.

• Heat intolerance or chills.

• Constipation.

• Dark-colored urine.

How Are Dehydration and Low Blood Pressure Linked?

Low blood pressure is seen when the blood pressure measures lower than 90/60 mm Hg. Blood volume is the amount of fluid that circulates in the blood vessels. Maintaining an average blood volume is required to reach all body tissues. Dehydration can lead to low blood pressure because of decreased blood volume. Approximately 55 to 60 percent of the body is made up of water. Water is present in the bones, muscles, and brain.

Therefore, water is present everywhere inside the body. Also, the blood is 90 percent water, so it flows through the veins like a liquid and drips on a cut. Generally, about 5 quarts (1.25 gallons) of blood are present in the system. The water supply of the body is depleted when dehydration occurs. This can result from multiple reasons, such as sweating on a hot day, medications, or not consuming enough water. Whatever the cause, fluid loss is seen at every place in the body, including blood volume. Low blood volume results in low blood pressure, and the organs might not get sufficient oxygen required for functioning appropriately. In extreme cases, this low blood pressure can cause heart or brain damage or even turn into a fatal disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure?

The symptoms of low blood pressure may differ from person to person. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include the following:

• The feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness.

• Fainting or passing out (syncope).

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Blurred or distorted vision.

• Fast, shallow breathing.

• Fatigue or weakness.

• Confusion or trouble while concentrating.

How Is Low Blood Pressure Treated?

When the blood pressure reading is lower than normal, it might not be a cause for concern without showing other symptoms. However, if low blood pressure readings are present along with other symptoms, it becomes essential to seek medical care. The symptoms to look out for are:

• Feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.

• Nausea.

• Feeling tired or fatigued.

• Blurry vision.

• Shock (it is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately).

• Skin that becomes cold or clammy.

• Quick, shallow breathing.

• Pulse, which becomes rapid and weak.

• Confusion.

Conclusion

Dehydration is a condition in which the fluid loss from the body is more than the fluid intake. This fluid imbalance causes the blood pressure to drop. There can be numerous reasons dehydration occurs, such as hot weather, fever, illness, etc. Taking certain medications also might make a person more prone to dehydration. A decrease in blood volume results in a potentially dangerous decrease in blood pressure and can even be a shock in some cases. To stay hydrated, one must increase fluid intake depending on weather, location, and physical activity. Staying hydrated helps to keep the body in balance in many ways, including blood pressure.