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Hypernatremia BP question



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Sep 12, 2007 05:42 PM

Hypernatremia BP question

by jsu102

I'm really struggling with fluids and electrolytes and am having a hard time undertstanding certain concepts. I've been browsing the internet and looking through several books, but there are some things that just won't sink in.

I'm confused why the BP is high in hypernatremia. I know that in hypovolemia since the water volume is low that means the BP will be low. I would think that in hypernatremia since the water is low in relationship to the sodium, there would be a similar relationship to the BP.

What am I missing?

Thanks!


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4 Comments
No. 1
Old Sep 12, 2007, 07:15 PM

Default Re: Hypernatremia BP question
Hi there,

It is my understanding that water follows sodium. If the sodium levels in the blood are high, water from other tissues will follow. (through osmosis?) This results in elevated BP since the total volume of fluid in the blood vessels is higher than normal. Hence, you are have fluid overload in the vascular system, and dehydration in the rest of the body.

hth,

mo
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No. 2
from KsMICT
Old Sep 13, 2007, 12:51 PM

Default Re: Hypernatremia BP question
Hypertension with associated hypernatremia would have to have some sort of renal insufficiency component whether it be the simple inability of the kidneys to properly filter waste water or the kidneys' oversecretion of aldosterone which increases sodium retention, and thus, water (and thus BP).
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No. 3
Old Sep 13, 2007, 01:29 PM

Default Re: Hypernatremia BP question
Water follows salt.


If you have a high salt content in your blood, the water from the cell will follow it, in order to achieve homeostasis.


Water follows sugar too. Water is a follower!


Just remember that the body always wants to remain homeostatic. It always wants to be normal.
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No. 4
from beachbum3
Old Sep 15, 2007, 03:36 PM

Default Re: Hypernatremia BP question
Remember that the more blood volume you have the higher your BP will be... this concept has come in handy for me in learning about many tmts for various cardiac problems (and F&E)

too much fluid = high BP
too little fluid= low BP


As far as fluid and electrolyte balances- like the others said, water follows salt. So too much salt in the blood will draw more water in causing higher fluid volume, thus raising BP.
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