Friendly Reminder: Be Careful About Dehydration

I wanted to share a recent episode because it's a good reminder for all of us - even those of us who are NOT new heart failure patients. As background, I've been heart failure patient for several years, and I have low blood pressure. So getting started on the meds and every dosage change is a challenging transition because I always experience the more acute symptoms of low blood pressure.

However, a few years in, I feel like I've gotten in a groove; the medications always have a negative impact on me, but if I drink enough water (staying within fluid restrictions) and eat enough (low salt) food, I know that the worst of the symptoms will eventually pass. I do know, and accept, that I will not feel as good overall once I take my meds.

Feeling fatigue

A few weeks ago, I basically spent all day on the couch sleeping. It had been a busy week, and by Saturday I just COULD NOT keep my eyes open. On Sunday, when I could at least keep my eyes open, I thought it was going to be a good day.

However, about 15 minutes after I took my first batch of meds on Sunday, I suddenly felt god awful. I truly felt like crap. I was hit with nausea, in addition to a nasty headache and diminished appetite. I thought that I was coming down with the flu?! It's been at least 6 months since my blood pressure has bottomed out, so the thought that my sudden onset of symptoms could be heart related just did not occur to me.

Hydrating and feeling better

I eventually sat down and started drinking water, which made me begin to feel human again. It occurred to me that DUH, the previous day I did not eat or drink very much because I was sleeping all day, so my sudden onset nausea was probably heart related because I was dehydrated. A more typical person probably has period of dehydration, but for us heart failure patient the combo of dehydration and our heart failure meds can cause blood pressure to tank, which can cause some pretty nasty symptoms.

A friendly reminder

I wanted to share because I think we can get into a routine, so the obvious is not as top of mind. As the summer months hit us, and most of us also have fluid restrictions, I think it's a good reminder that blood pressure issues can impact the new and seasoned heart failure patients alike! And if you think you are dehydrated, be aware! Lastly, it's always good to have a blood pressure cuff around your house as a heart failure patient.

Of course, if you feel like you have new or worsening symptoms, I'd encourage you to talk with your doctor and/or get it checked out.