Water & Hypertension

As of 2006, an estimated 74.5 million American adults are affected by hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. The body's system has mechanisms in place to adjust for abnormal pressure levels, though after a certain point these mechanisms are unable to respond to the needs of the body. One of these mechanisms has to do with how the body regulates water or fluid levels.

Hypertension

• Hypertension --also known as high blood pressure- can result from many different causes, some of which include lifestyle habits, dietary intake or other medical conditions. According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure readings range around the 120/80 level. Hypertension develops when readings remain above normal levels on a consistent basis. The top number on a reading measures the amount of pressure the heart exerts when beating, whereas the bottom number measures the amount of pressure exerted by the blood vessels when the heart is at rest.

Function

• The heart and blood vessels play the most active roles within the body's circulatory system. According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure levels indicate how much pressure is needed to move blood throughout the body's network of blood vessels. The condition of the heart and blood vessels can affect how efficiently they work, though other factors can also play a role. The body's water and salt levels can have a significant impact on blood pressure levels. Other areas, such as the kidneys and nervous system, can also contribute to symptoms of hypertension.

Kidney Processes

• The kidneys play a vital role in assisting the heart and blood vessels with regulating blood pressure levels. During physical exertion or high levels of stress, the heart exerts more force to send needed blood and oxygen supplies throughout the body, according to the Merck Manual. To further increase pressure levels, the kidneys can send into the bloodstream, which causes blood volume to increase. When blood volumes increase, so do blood pressure levels. Individuals with hypertension may experience increased blood volume levels on a regular basis if water levels are high on a consistent basis.

Effects

• The circulatory system is responsible for delivering needed oxygen and nutrient supplies throughout the body, according to the American Heart Association. When damage develops in the heart or along the blood vessel linings, the heart and the kidneys may have to work harder to move blood through. Damage to the blood vessels can appear as scarring or plaque build-up and may significantly reduce their ability to expand and contract as blood circulates through them. As a result, increased water in the blood and increased force exerted by the heart can further damage blood vessel linings.

Prevention/Solution

• Stress management practices, eating a proper diet and limiting the amount of salt in the diet can help reduce hypertension symptoms, according to Medline. As water levels in the body can also play a significant role in maintaining high blood pressure levels, diuretic medications designed to reduce water levels may also be warranted. According to the American Heart Association, fluid build up can result when the cells in the body contain excess amounts of salt. Diuretics work on the kidneys by causing them to remove extra amounts of water and salt from the bloodstream.