Medical expert of the article
New publications
Hypovolemia
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Hypovolemia (from French volume - an unambiguous notion defining tension and volume) is a decrease in the vascular tone that occurs with massive plasma and blood loss or a decrease in vascular tone due to disorders of neural-reflex regulation.
In the latter case, BCC does not change, but blood redistribution takes place, mainly with an overflow of the venous bed. Hypovolemia is typical for cardiovascular insufficiency, pathology and brain trauma, pain syndrome, stress. The main manifestations are: hyperosmolarity of blood, its thickening, decrease in fluidity of blood, hypoxia, caused by a decrease in blood flow in organs and tissues, primarily the heart (small ejection syndrome) and the brain (impaired consciousness, convulsions).
Hypovolemia accompanies many pathological conditions and is a leading component of shocks. With hypovolemia, the protein part of the plasma is not necessarily lost, it is more often noted during thermal trauma. In most cases, hypovolemia is accompanied by loss of water and salts in swelling, intestines, with urine, sweat, and breathing.
At the same time isoosmolar dehydration develops: bcc, AD, CVP decrease. Because of a decrease in the flow of blood to the right atrium, despite tachycardia, the minute volume of the heart decreases with a violation of peripheral blood flow and the development of hypoxic syndrome, mainly with acidosis. Clinically, there is apathy, adynamia, thirst, a decrease in turgor and dry skin, and diuresis decreases. In blood tests, hematocrit, azotemia.
Correction of hypovolemia is the competence of the resuscitator. At a trauma the surgeon is obliged to stop a painful syndrome (qualitative immobilization, blockades).
[Who to contact?