Because your organs need these fluids to function, their depletion can cause organs to malfunction and fail.
Symptoms include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, clammy skin, confusion, and fainting.
There are many possible causes for hypovolemia from extremedehydrationor massive bleeding.
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In severe cases, hypovolemia can lead to shock and death.
This article describes the symptoms and causes of hypovolemia.
It also explains how this potentially serious condition is diagnosed and treated.
Definition
Hypovolemia should not be confused withdehydration.
Dehydration is the depletion of whole-body fluid.
Hypovolemia can occur as a result of dehydration but can also occur independently of it.
It involves a decrease in the volume of extracellular fluids.
Hypovolemia is ultimately resulting from either a loss of blood or a loss of water.
In either instance, the depletion of fluid decreases the volume of whole blood in the body.
This, in turn, reduces the amount of oxygen being delivered to cells and tissues throughout the body.
When it drops to where organs are unable to function, the body goes intoshock.
Shock brought on by hypovolemia is specifically known ashypovolemic shock.
What Are the Symptoms of Hypovolemia?
Hypovolemia causes systemic symptoms, meaning that the whole body is affected by the reduced flow of blood.
The symptoms worsen as fluid volumes in the body continue to drop.
Hypovolemia is categorized into stages 1 through 4, which denote the percentage of fluid volumes lost.
Hypovolemic shock is a medical emergency that develops in a progressive pattern.
If left untreated, multiple organ failure can occur.
If treatment is not delivered quickly, the risk of irreversible damage and death is high.
What Causes Hypovolemia?
Hypovolemia can range from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause.
Common causes include:
How Is Hypovolemia Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of hypovolemia starts with a review of your symptoms and medical history.
Hypovolemia can quickly lead to shock and requires urgent care to restore fluids and normalize blood pressure.
An aggressive response is needed to avoid permanent organ damage triggered by the lack of oxygen to tissues.
The treatment is also focused on resolving the underlying cause.
The standard of care isintravenous (IV) fluid resuscitationwhich involves the delivery of fluids through a vein.
If blood loss is the cause of hypovolemia, ablood transfusionwould be needed.
If an accident caused blood loss, you may need surgery to repair the injury.
Summary
Hypovolemia is the loss of 15% or more of circulating fluids in the body.
Depending on the cause, hypovolemia may be treated with intravenous or oral fluids or with a blood transfusion.
Severe cases can lead to a medical emergency known as hypovolemic shock.
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