i was cared for by a new tech for a couple of weeks and she mistakenly set my sodium level a little too high. I was thirstier than usual and didn't realize I was consuming more fluid than usual in fruits. this caused my bp to go up to as high as 183/105 at one point. my neph and nurses see so many high bp's that they didn't seem to realize that my bp's were out of wack and didn't catch the sodium error. i brought it to my neph's attention. it took about a week to get the extra fluid off by gradually removing a little extra fluid each tx ( a nurse wanted to take it all off in one tx, but I told her that doesn't work with me). i have never had this problem before. what did it do to my heart to have raised bp for 2 weeks?

Congestive Heart Failure

Your question is very complex and requires more history and information. But I have decided to give you a "Long Winded Answer." I had to do this to help you draw your own conclusion at the end.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ERSD)tend toward a high cardiac output. They often have extracellular fluid overload, shunting of blood through an arteriovenous fistula for dialysis, and anemia. In addition to hypertension, these abnormalities cause increased myocardial work and oxygen demand. Patients with chronic renal failure may also have accelerated rates of atherosclerosis.

All of these factors contribute to left ventricular hypertrophy and dilation. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) may also play a role in the pathogenesis of the cardiomyopathy of renal failure.

Seems like you are saying that your BP was never that high before and that you didn't have Congestive Heart Failure(CHF). However, I know patients that normally have BPs at that level and exhibit no signs of cardiomyopathy.

Additionally, when you come into the clinic your Nurse (not a tech) should assess your lungs to see if you have pulmonary problems such as accumulation of fluid. Most likely your "neph" did this after that incident.

The heart is a great elastic muscle that can sustain many insults. However, If you have suddenly developed shortness of breath, a persistent cough and have trouble with routine activities, then you may have developed CHF. Immediately report these findings to your Nurse, but if your lungs are dry, breathing is fine and you aren't coughing abnormally, then you are most likely ok.

Finally, ESRD patients are at a higher risk for heart disease than those with normal renal function. Fortunately, good compliance with your dialysis treatment plan will help prevent you from developing CHF.


Good luck.....