Hypovolemic Shock

Pathophysiology

Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body does not have enough blood or fluids circulating. This can happen from blood loss, such as from a traumatic injury or surgery, or from fluid loss, such as from vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.

When the body does not have enough blood or fluids circulating, the heart cannot pump enough blood to the tissues. This leads to a decrease in oxygen delivery to the tissues and a buildup of waste products. If hypovolemic shock is not treated promptly, it can lead to organ failure and death.

Risk Factors

The following are risk factors for hypovolemic shock:

• Blood loss: This can happen from a traumatic injury, surgery, internal bleeding, or heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Fluid loss: This can happen from vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, or burns.
• Dehydration: This can happen from not drinking enough fluids or from losing fluids through sweat, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Heart disease: Heart disease can weaken the heart muscle and make it more difficult for the heart to pump enough blood to the tissues.
• Shock from other causes: Sepsis, cardiogenic shock, and anaphylactic shock can all lead to hypovolemic shock.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock can vary depending on the severity of the condition. However, some common signs and symptoms include:

• Rapid heart rate: The heart beats faster to try to pump more blood to the tissues.
• Rapid breathing: The body tries to breathe faster to take in more oxygen.
• Pale, cool, and clammy skin: The skin becomes pale, cool, and clammy because the blood is not circulating properly.
• Low blood pressure: The blood pressure drops because there is not enough blood in the circulation.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: The brain does not get enough blood, which can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Confusion: The brain does not get enough blood, which can cause confusion.
• Weakness: The muscles do not get enough blood, which can cause weakness.
• Loss of consciousness: If hypovolemic shock is not treated promptly, the person may lose consciousness.

Why these symptoms are found

The signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock are all caused by the body’s attempts to compensate for the lack of blood or fluids in the circulation.

• Rapid heart rate: The heart beats faster to try to pump more blood to the tissues.
• Rapid breathing: The body tries to breathe faster to take in more oxygen.
• Pale, cool, and clammy skin: The skin becomes pale, cool, and clammy because the blood is not circulating properly.
• Low blood pressure: The blood pressure drops because there is not enough blood in the circulation.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: The brain does not get enough blood, which can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Confusion: The brain does not get enough blood, which can cause confusion.
• Weakness: The muscles do not get enough blood, which can cause weakness.
• Loss of consciousness: If hypovolemic shock is not treated promptly, the person may lose consciousness.

Treatment

The goal of treatment for hypovolemic shock is to restore the body’s blood volume and to improve oxygen delivery to the tissues. This is typically done by giving the person fluids intravenously (through an IV). In some cases, blood transfusions may also be necessary.

If the person is bleeding, the bleeding must be stopped. This may involve applying pressure to the wound, using a tourniquet, or performing surgery.

Once the person’s blood volume has been restored and oxygen delivery to the tissues has improved, the underlying cause of the hypovolemic shock must be addressed. This may involve treating an infection, repairing an injury, or controlling bleeding.

Prevention

The best way to prevent hypovolemic shock is to avoid the conditions that can cause it. This means drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding dehydration, and treating any underlying medical conditions that can increase the risk of hypovolemic shock.

If you are at risk for hypovolemic shock, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of the condition. If you experience any of the signs or symptoms of hypovolemic shock, seek medical attention immediately.