What is a common complication associated with hemodialysis?

Hypotension is a common complication associated with hemodialysis and often occurs due to the rapid removal of fluid during the dialysis process. As excess fluid is removed from the patient's bloodstream, there can be a significant drop in blood volume, which may lead to decreased blood pressure. This is particularly noticeable in patients who are sensitive to fluid shifts or those who are volume depleted.

During hemodialysis, factors such as the dialysate concentration, the rate of ultrafiltration, and the patient’s overall cardiovascular stability can all contribute to the risk of experiencing hypotension. Symptoms can range from mild dizziness to severe cases of fainting or shock, depending on how significantly the blood pressure drops.

In contrast, hypertension is generally a concern for patients in the context of pre-dialysis management, and while anemia is a common issue in patients on dialysis due to inadequate erythropoietin production, it is not a direct complication of the hemodialysis procedure itself. Thrombosis refers to blood clot formation and is more related to catheter or access complications rather than the immediate effects of hemodialysis treatment.