Common Causes Of Hypovolemic Shock

Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Signs of onset shock include a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), cool skin, and extremely low blood pressure. It occurs when there is a significant reduction, usually twenty percent or more, in the amount of blood within the circulatory system. Although the body has many mechanisms to cope with a drop in blood volume, there is a point where the cardiovascular and nervous systems cannot compensate enough to maintain blood pressure. If normal blood pressure is not restored quickly, vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and liver will fail from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Hypovolemic shock (hypo = low and volemic = volume) is one of several types of shock caused by a disruption in the regular function of the cardiovascular system. The onset of hypovolemic shock may be gradual or rapid depending upon the cause and the patient's health status and physical size, as well as how quickly they receive medical treatment. Being aware of conditions that can lead to hypovolemic shock is the first step in saving a life.

Serious Wounds And Injuries

Blood loss, which can be internal or external and gradual or rapid, from serious wounds and injuries is one of several possible causes of hypovolemic shock. Blood loss from superficial cuts is usually gradual. Bleeding slows as the blood clots and eventually the bleeding stops. Applying pressure to the wound helps slow and stop and bleeding. Superficial wounds may still require medical attention to close the wound and prevent infection.

A deep laceration of soft tissue, or a partial or complete amputation of a body part, can cause rapid blood loss and hypovolemic shock if not treated quickly. Blunt force trauma or crushing injuries can cause bleeding externally and internally and swelling that also contributes to shock. Accident victims often have a combination of wounds and injuries with external and internal blood loss and need immediate medical treatment.

Continue reading to reveal more details about the causes of hypovolemic shock.