Prostate Restored
Photo by Chevanon Photography Pexels Logo Photo: Chevanon Photography

Can drinking too little water cause 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.

What type of magnesium is good for high blood pressure?
What type of magnesium is good for high blood pressure?

Magnesium taurate may be the best form for managing high blood sugar and high blood pressure, though more studies are necessary.

Read More »
Is beer good for erectile dysfunction?
Is beer good for erectile dysfunction?

Alcohol has an interesting relationship with ED. At low-to-moderate levels (up to 1–2 drinks per day for men), alcohol may actually help erections...

Read More »

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.

How do you work on yourself mentally?
How do you work on yourself mentally?

Value yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. ... Take care of your body: Taking care of yourself physically...

Read More »
What is the best hot drink to have before bed?
What is the best hot drink to have before bed?

10 Drinks to Help You Sleep at Night Warm Milk. ... Almond Milk. ... Malted Milk. ... Valerian Tea. ... Decaffeinated Green Tea. ... Chamomile Tea....

Read More »
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

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

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

What is the 4th domain of life?
What is the 4th domain of life?

The standard tree has three main groups, or domains—bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. But several researchers proposed that giant viruses are...

Read More »
Does zinc get rid of inflammation?
Does zinc get rid of inflammation?

A number of studies have reported that zinc plays a substantial role in the development of metabolic syndrome, taking part in the regulation of...

Read More »

Lack of exercise

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

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.

What herbs bring down blood pressure quickly?
What herbs bring down blood pressure quickly?

That said, there are several promising herbs and spices you can incorporate into your diet that may help lower your blood pressure. They include...

Read More »
Can you fix erectile dysfunction on your own?
Can you fix erectile dysfunction on your own?

A study published in May 2014 in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that some men can reverse erectile dysfunction with healthy lifestyle...

Read More »
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!
Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »
Can cranberry juice help prostatitis?
Can cranberry juice help prostatitis?

Cranberry juice Cranberry juice is most well-known for the beneficial effect it can have on symptoms of a urinary tract infection; however, it may...

Read More »
Is DHT hairloss reversible?
Is DHT hairloss reversible?

Is DHT hair loss reversible? Yes, a DHT hair loss treatment can help you get your lost hair line. Oct 28, 2022

Read More »