Will Fluid Retention Increase Blood Pressure?

The extra fluid in your body can raise your blood pressure and force your heart to work harder. It can also make it hard for you to breathe. Most of your body is made up of water. The body uses minerals like sodium and potassium to help organs such as your heart, kidneys, and liver balance how much water you need.

What happens when your body retains too much fluid?

Water retention occurs when excess fluids build up inside your body. It is also known as fluid retention or edema. Water retention occurs in the circulatory system or within tissues and cavities. It can cause swelling in the hands, feet, ankles and legs.

How does sodium retention increased blood pressure?

Over time, excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension), which stiffens and narrows the blood vessels. Blood and oxygen flow to key organs decreases. So the heart tries harder to pump blood throughout the body, which further increases blood pressure.