What is the effect of dialysis on blood pressure?

Dialysis, particularly hemodialysis, plays a significant role in managing blood pressure, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. The reason fluid removal during dialysis can lead to lower blood pressure is primarily related to the dynamics of fluid volume in the body. Many patients undergoing dialysis retain excess fluid due to their compromised kidney function. When they are treated with dialysis, this excess fluid is removed from the bloodstream which decreases blood volume.

A reduction in blood volume can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, which is particularly significant in patients who are hypertensive or have fluid overload. It's important that healthcare providers monitor blood pressure closely during treatment to manage potential hypotension, which can occur when too much fluid is removed too quickly. Therefore, the understanding that dialysis may lower blood pressure due to fluid removal is consistent with clinical practice and patient outcomes.