What Is Hypovolemic Shock?
Hypovolemic shock, also called hemorrhagic shock, is a life-threatening condition that results when you lose more than 20 percent (one-fifth) of your body’s blood or fluid supply. This severe fluid loss makes it impossible for the heart to pump sufficient blood to your body. Hypovolemic shock can cause many of your organs to fail. The condition requires immediate emergency medical attention in order to survive.
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Part 2 of 8: Causes
What Causes Hypovolemic Shock?
Hypovolemic shock results from significant blood and/or fluid losses in your body. Blood loss of this magnitude can occur because of:
bleeding from cuts or wounds
bleeding from blunt traumatic injuries due to accidents or seizure activity
internal bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract or ruptured ectopic pregnancy
In addition to actual blood loss, the loss of body fluids can cause a decrease in blood volume. This can occur in cases of:
excessive diarrhea
severe burns
protracted and excessive vomiting
excessive sweating
When heavy bleeding occurs, there is not enough blood flow to the organs in your body. Blood carries oxygen and other essential substances to your organs and tissues. When these substances are lost more quickly than they can be replaced, organs in the body begin to shut down. As your heart shuts down and fails to circulate an adequate amount of blood through your body, symptoms of shock occur. Blood pressure plummets and there is a massive drop in body temperature, which can be life threatening.
According to the Mayo Clinic, hemorrhagic shock is the leading cause of death in people with traumatic injuries. (Mayo Clinic)
What are the Symptoms of Hypovolemic Shock?
The symptoms of hypovolemic shock vary with the severity of the fluid and/or blood loss. However, all symptoms of shock are life threatening and should be treated as a medical emergency. Internal bleeding symptoms may be hard to recognize until symptoms of shock appear. However, external bleeding will be visible. Symptoms of hemorrhagic shock may not appear immediately. Older adults may not experience these symptoms until the shock has progressed significantly.
Symptoms include:
anxiety
blue lips and fingernails
low or no urine output
profuse sweating