Dehydration – Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor can often diagnose dehydration on the basis of physical signs and symptoms. If you’re dehydrated, you’re also likely to have low blood pressure, especially when moving from a lying to a standing position, a faster than normal heart rate and reduced blood flow to your extremities.

To help confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the degree of dehydration, you may have other tests, such as:

• Blood tests. Blood samples may be used to check for a number of factors, such as the levels of your electrolytes — especially sodium and potassium — and how well your kidneys are working.
• Urinalysis. Tests done on your urine can help show whether you’re dehydrated and to what degree. They also can check for signs of a bladder infection.

More Information

Treatment

The only effective treatment for dehydration is to replace lost fluids and lost electrolytes. The best approach to dehydration treatment depends on age, the severity of dehydration and its cause.

For infants and children who have become dehydrated from diarrhea, vomiting or fever, use an over-the-counter oral rehydration solution. These solutions contain water and salts in specific proportions to replenish both fluids and electrolytes.

Start with about a teaspoon (5 milliliters) every one to five minutes and increase as tolerated. It may be easier to use a syringe for very young children. Older children can be given diluted sports drinks. Use 1 part sports drink to 1 part water.

Most adults with mild to moderate dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting or fever can improve their condition by drinking more water or other liquids. Diarrhea may be worsened by full-strength fruit juice and soft drinks.

If you work or exercise outdoors during hot or humid weather, cool water is your best bet. Sports drinks containing electrolytes and a carbohydrate solution also may be helpful.

Children and adults who are severely dehydrated should be treated by emergency personnel arriving in an ambulance or in a hospital emergency room. Salts and fluids delivered through a vein (intravenously) are absorbed quickly and speed recovery.

Preparing for your appointment

You’re likely to start by seeing your or your child’s doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, the doctor may recommend urgent medical care. If you, your child or an adult who you care for is showing signs of severe dehydration, such as lethargy or reduced responsiveness, seek immediate care at a hospital.

If you have time to prepare for your appointment, here’s some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from the doctor.

What you can do

• Write down any symptoms you or the person you’re caring for is experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. If you or the person you’re caring for has been vomiting or has had diarrhea, the doctor will want to know when it began and how frequently it’s been occurring.
• Write down key personal information, including any recent trips taken or foods recently eaten that might have caused illness. In addition, your doctor will want to know if you or the person you’re caring for has recently been exposed to anyone with diarrhea.
• Make a list of key medical information, including other conditions you or the person you’re caring for is being treated for and the names of the medications being taken. Include on your list prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any vitamins and supplements.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

For dehydration, some basic questions to ask the doctor include:

• What’s causing these symptoms?
• What kinds of tests are needed?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• How soon after treatment will there be improvement?
• Are there any activity or dietary restrictions?
• Is there anything I can do to prevent a recurrence of dehydration?
• I have other health conditions. Do I need to change the treatments I’ve been using for them?
• What steps can I take to prevent dehydration from happening again?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did the symptoms begin? What were you doing?
• Are you able to keep down any food or drink?
• How recently have you urinated? Are you experiencing any pain or urgency with urination?
• Do you also have other signs or symptoms, such as abdominal cramping, fever, headache or muscle aches? How severe are these signs and symptoms?
• Has there been blood in your stools?
• Have you recently eaten any food that you suspect was spoiled?
• Has anyone gotten sick after eating the same food that you did?
• Have you recently been exposed to someone who you know was experiencing diarrhea?
• Have you been coughing or had a runny nose?
• What medications are you currently taking?
• Have you recently traveled to another country?
• Do you know what your or your child’s weight was before symptoms started?

Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure?

December 21, 2021

Can Dehydration Cause High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a chronic condition where the force of your blood is higher than normal and pushes strongly against your blood vessel walls. When it’s not treated, high blood pressure can lead to other serious health problems including heart attack and stroke.

Many different factors can cause high blood pressure. It’s possible that dehydration may cause high blood pressure.

Here’s a closer look at the link between dehydration and high blood pressure, as well as signs when you should see a doctor right away.

Can Being Dehydrated Cause High Blood Pressure?

“Dehydration is a possible cause of high blood pressure,” says Dr. Jason Varghese, a family medicine physician with Healthcare Associates of Texas.

Nearly 60% of the human adult body is made up of water. Your body needs water to carry out important functions. For instance, it helps regulate body temperature and flush out waste.

Dehydration occurs when your body does not have enough fluids. It can happen after a period of heavy sweating or if you’re not drinking enough water. It can also happen if you are sick and cannot keep fluids in your body due to excessive vomiting and/or diarrhea.

How Does Dehydration Affect Blood Pressure?

Dehydration can make your blood pressure go up or down to cause high blood pressure (Hypertension) or low blood pressure (Hypotension).

Low Blood Pressure

Dehydration can cause your blood volume to decrease. Blood volume is the amount of fluid in your blood vessels. Having a normal blood volume is important because it allows your blood to reach all the tissues and organs in your body. However, a low blood volume can cause your blood pressure to drop.

If you’re dehydrated, your blood volume and blood pressure can drop too low. This can prevent your tissues and organs from getting the amount of oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy.

“When left untreated, low blood pressure can cause other issues, like heart and/or brain damage,” Dr. Varghese adds.

High Blood Pressure

When your body is dehydrated, it releases higher amounts of a chemical called vasopressin. Vasopressin helps your kidneys retain water, which can prevent you from losing more water through urination. At the same time, it causes your blood vessels to constrict, which then causes your blood pressure to increase. When this situation persists, you can develop high blood pressure.

What Are Other Symptoms of Dehydration?

“Dehydration has a lot of potential symptoms, including feeling extremely thirsty, dry mouth, darker-colored urine, and dizziness,” Dr. Varghese says.

Symptoms will usually occur before dehydration starts affecting your blood pressure.

Other symptoms of dehydration include:

• Less frequent urination
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Bad breath
• Dry skin
• Muscle cramps
• Cravings for junk foods

Drink some water if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Also, think about your recent water intake to determine whether you have been drinking enough. For example, are you having these symptoms after spending several hours in the sun? If so, it’s possible you have not been drinking enough water and may be dehydrated.

What Causes Dehydration?

Dehydration can happen for a variety of reasons. It can happen if you are sick and cannot keep fluids down for very long. It can also happen if you don’t have enough water on hand, such as during a road trip.

• Vomiting and having diarrhea, which can cause you to loose fluids
• Heavy sweating during strenuous exercising
• Fever
• Frequent urination
• Drinking beverages like coffee or alcohol, which increase urination
• Forgetting to drink water, such as when you are super busy
• Having kidney disease or uncontrolled diabetes
• Lack of access to clean drinking water

“I want to add that dehydration can occur even during cold winter months. Although you are not sweating profusely, you may become dehydrated if you don’t drink enough water which could lead to elevated or low blood pressure,” Dr. Varghese explains.

How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?

Drinking lots of water throughout the day can prevent you from becoming dehydrated and reduce your risk of getting high blood pressure. Some doctors suggest drinking about eight glasses of water a day.

“The ‘correct’ amount of water you should be drinking every day can vary per person. It depends on numerous factors such as your weight, physical activity level, etc.,” Dr. Varghese explains.

Ask your doctor about how much water you should drink every day based on your personal health situation. Your doctor can review your medical history, talk to you about your lifestyle, and make the best recommendation based on this information.

What Are Other Causes of High Blood Pressure?

Dehydration is just one possible cause of high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also be caused by certain lifestyle behaviors or by other medical conditions.

Common causes and risk factors of high blood pressure include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Eating high amounts of salt
• Lack of potassium in the diet
• Heavy alcohol use
• Stress
• Thyroid disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Tumors in the adrenal gland
• Using illicit drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine
• Using certain medications, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and corticosteroids

“Most people don’t know when they have high blood pressure because high blood pressure doesn’t usually show any symptoms,” Dr. Varghese says.

However, some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or bloody noses.

Doctors usually check your blood pressure during routine appointments, such as annual physicals or well-check visits. Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you may be at risk for high blood pressure. Getting your blood pressure under control can reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and dementia.

When It’s Time to See a Doctor

Visit your doctor right away if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Diarrhea or vomiting that has lasted longer than 24 hours
• Rapid heart rate
• Extreme confusion
• Extreme exhaustion or fatigue
• Black or bloody stool
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Loss of conscious or passing out
• Cold, clammy skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Weak and rapid pulse

The above symptoms may indicate that you are either severely dehydrated or have low blood pressure. Your doctor can perform an evaluation and talk to you about possible treatment options.

Treating High Blood Pressure with Healthcare Associates of Texas

Healthcare Associates of Texas is home to a large team of board-certified medical professionals who can work with you to treat high blood pressure. Our doctors can talk to you in more detail about the link between dehydration and blood pressure, and what you can start doing today to improve your overall health. Click here to find your nearest location and request an appointment.

Reviewed for medical accuracy by

December 21, 2021

Dr. Jason Varghese

Dr. Varghese’s care philosophy is built around preventative medicine, patient education, and establishing a lasting relationship with his patients. He believes that every patient is special and should feel important. He wants everyone to feel part of a big family.

Dr. Varghese is a family medicine doctor in Midlothian, TX and is currently accepting new patients.

Posted in: Cardiovascular Health, Health Education

Renin direct (EDTA plasma) – to be tested in St. Petersburg and other regions

Medical center at Bogatyrsky pr., 4Laboratory terminal at Aleksandrovskaya Fermy avenue, 8Laboratory terminal at Nastavnikov avenue, 36k2Laboratory terminal at ul. Budapestskaya, 6Medical center on Pulkovskoye shosse, 28A Medical center on Kondratievsky prospect, 62k3Medical center on Prosveshcheniya avenue, 14k4Medical center on Moiseenko, 5Laboratory terminal on the street. Oleko Dundicha, 8, room 2Laboratory terminal on the street. Pestelya, 25AMedical center on Leninsky prospect, 88Medical center on Okhtinskaya alley, 4 (Murino, Leningrad region)Laboratory terminal on the street. Turku, 5/13 St. Petersburg, Exit serviceMedical center on the street. Savushkina, 14

Price:

1 315 ₽

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Renin is an enzyme that regulates blood pressure. It is secreted by the arterioles of the renal glomeruli in response to a drop in blood pressure. The kidneys respond to changes in the concentration of sodium and potassium. Renin acts on angiotensinogens (oligopeptide hormones), converting them to type I angiotensin, which is then converted to type II. Hormones of the second type have a strong vasoconstrictive effect. As a result, renin increases blood pressure, helps maintain potassium and sodium levels within the normal range.

Testing is prescribed for the medical diagnosis of diseases associated with drops, a decrease or increase in blood pressure:

• hypertensive conditions;

• renal vascular pathology;

• primary aldosteronism and hyperaldosteronism.

Assign a renin test to identify the causes of low potassium levels or high blood pressure. It is also carried out in conjunction with a study on aldosterone, when drug therapy for hypertension does not bring a positive result.

A referral for the test can be obtained from a general practitioner, family doctor, cardiologist, endocrinologist, oncologist, nephrologist and gynecologist. Important! Correctly interpreting the results of the analysis for renin is possible only with test data on the level of cortisol and aldosterone.

Therefore, testing is carried out in a complex way, calculating the results of studies on aldosterone, cortisol, and sometimes drenocorticotropic hormone.

1. Low renin – high aldosterone.

This may indicate primary hyperaldosteronism, a tumor of the adrenal gland. This condition is also accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of potassium, which is expressed in muscle weakness.

2. High levels of renin and aldosterone.

These indicators may indicate the presence of secondary aldosteronism caused by a decrease in blood pressure and a drop in sodium concentration. In this condition, blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the kidneys. The response of the body is an uncontrolled increase in pressure. Symptoms can occur against the background of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, cirrhosis.

3. High renin – low aldosterone.

It indicates chronic insufficiency of the adrenal cortex (hypocorticism), which in turn causes autoimmune aggression, hypoplasia, tumors and metastases in the adrenal glands and other conditions. Symptoms include low blood pressure, weight loss, dehydration, lack of sodium and potassium, chronic fatigue, and depression.

How to prepare for analysis

Influence of diet. Renin levels change with excessive salt intake, so salty foods should be limited.

Medicines. Some medications have an effect: aspirin, corticosteroids, estrogenic and diuretic drugs. Therefore, after agreeing with the doctor, stop taking medication for a day, and taking inhibitors for a week.

Body position. Before donating blood, you need to sit or lie down, staying in this position for about 2 hours. Stress and physical exertion change the concentration of the enzyme. The rate is higher in the morning. Therefore, the analysis for renin is carried out in the morning in a calm state, they give up alcohol in a day, do not smoke at 2-3 hours.

Synonyms: blood test for renin / Renin

Equipment: LiasonXL / DiaSorin

8 (812) 600-42-00

It is recommended to donate blood on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours and not more than 12 hours of fasting). Drinking – water, as usual. On the eve of the study, exclude: food, physical and emotional overload, alcohol and energy drinks. Stop smoking 1 hour before the study. For 2-4 weeks, in agreement with the attending physician, you should stop taking drugs that may affect the results of the study (diuretics, antihypertensive drugs, oral contraceptives, licorice preparations). It is recommended to take blood from the patient in the “sitting” position – after 30 minutes. standing and in the “lying” position – after 30 minutes. lying.

Similar tests

Aldosterone-renin ratio

5 days

from 1,670 ₽

Add to cart 5 days

from 1 315 ₽

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Aldosterone

up to 5 days

from 755 ₽

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Analysis available in these centers:

Medical center on Bogatyrsky pr., 4

Medical center on the street. Moiseenko, 5

Medical center on Prosveshcheniya avenue, 14k4

Medical center on the street. Savushkina, 14

Laboratory terminal on the street. Turku, 5/13

Medical center on Okhtinskaya alley, 4 (Murino, Leningrad region)

Laboratory terminal on the street. Pestelya, 25A

Laboratory terminal on the street. Oleko Dundicha, 8, building 2

Laboratory terminal on the street. Budapestskaya, 6

Medical center at Pulkovskoe shosse, 28A

Laboratory terminal at Nastavnikov Ave., 36k2

Laboratory terminal at Aleksandrovskaya Ferma avenue, 8

Medical center on Leninsky pr., 88

Medical center on Kondratievsky prospect, 62k3

ORTOKROSS clinic on the 5th line of V. O., 8A (official partner)

Laboratory terminal at Kronverksky pr., 31 (official partner)

Clinic “PulkovoStom” on Pulkovskoye shosse, 26, building 6. (official partner)

Laboratory terminal on the street. Savushkina, 124 (official partner)

Laboratory terminal on Bolshoy pr. V.O., 5 (official partner)

Orthostatic test – get diagnosed at the Kutuzovsky medical center

50% discount *only 7 days after the examination

for a doctor’s appointment after diagnosis for the first time visiting the clinic*

Orthostatic test prices

One of the methods for assessing the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems is the orthostatic test (tilt test). It is informative for doctors, and the procedure itself is very simple, does not require preparation from the patient and does not take much time. The test shows how the body is adapted to physical activity. It is used by doctors, sports coaches, athletes and ordinary people. Functional tests, including an orthostatic test, are also carried out at the Kutuzovsky LDC.

How the orthostatic test is performed

The test is recommended to be performed on an empty stomach in the morning or after a light snack.

The orthostatic test measures the difference in heart rate between two measurements: lying down and after rising to a standing position.

Test procedure with the active orthostatic test technique:

• The patient rests in supine position for 5 minutes.
• Then his pulse is measured.
• The patient gets up at a certain pace, familiar to him, without sudden movements.
• The doctor takes his pulse again.
• A third measurement is taken after 3 minutes.

The results of the orthostatic test are evaluated – normally the difference in pulse rate should not be more than 20 beats per minute. You can also draw a conclusion by the value of blood pressure – the difference in it should not be more than a decrease in the upper (systolic) pressure and an increase in the lower (diastolic) by 10 mm Hg. pillar.

If the difference in pulse or pressure is greater, then this may be an indicator of poor fitness of the body or a sign of various diseases.

Indications

An orthostatic test is prescribed by a cardiologist or a neurologist if the patient complains that with a sharp change in body position, he experiences signs characteristic of pressure surges or disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system: dizziness, tinnitus, increased heart rate rhythm and other symptoms.

Orthostatic test of the state of the cardiovascular or nervous system is recommended:

• For intensive training.
• Large and prolonged physical exertion, when there is a suspicion that the body does not have time to recover.
• For amateur athletes to evaluate their own progress – as you adapt to the loads, the difference in heart rate will be less and less.
• If dehydration or cardiovascular pathologies are suspected, disorders in the functioning of the nervous system.

Benefits of diagnostics at Kutuzovsky Medical Center

There are many advantages to undergoing diagnostics at the Kutuzovsky Medical and Diagnostic Center:

• Experienced and highly qualified doctors.
• A full range of services for the whole family in one building – we can quickly go through all the necessary diagnostic services at a convenient time: laboratory tests, ultrasound, MRI and other methods of hardware diagnostics, get advice from doctors of the necessary specialization.
• Affordable pricing policy.

To sign up for this and other examinations, you can find out the cost by phone: +7 (495) 478-10-03.