Individuals who lose a large amount of blood or fluids need to call 911 or head straight to the emergency room. Without the blood or fluids, the body will have difficulty delivering oxygen and nutrients to organs. As a result, the organs may begin to fail, and the person may lose their life. Seeking rapid treatment increases the odds of survival. Hypovolemic shock occurs when more than 20 percent of an individual’s blood volume is lost or when a person loses a significant number of bodily fluids due to illness or perspiration.
Blood Pressure and Hypovolemic Shock
When a person loses a significant amount of blood or bodily fluids, their diastolic blood pressure rises. If the loss isn’t halted, the systolic number will decrease. This alteration in blood pressure increases a person’s risk of heart issues, so it must be addressed immediately. Many people remain completely unaware of this danger and need a hypovolemic shock overview. Once they have this information, they know what steps to take if they or someone else appears to be going into this type of shock.
Hypovolemic Shock Prevalence
Fortunately, hypovolemic shock isn’t widespread. Less than 1 in 1,000 individuals will experience some type of shock in their lifetime. Hypovolemic shock is the second most common overall, but it is the leading cause of shock in children. Kids in underdeveloped nations are prone to it, as they often struggle with diarrhea. Nevertheless, anyone who has a traumatic accident and bleeds heavily is at risk of this condition. The same holds for individuals who are continuously vomiting, those who have diarrhea, and those who sweat excessively.
The Effects on the Body
Blood is not able to reach all organs when a person goes into hypovolemic shock. The organs may then fail. The human body naturally prioritizes the heart and brain when it isn’t getting enough oxygen, so the extremities get cold. Hypovolemic shock occurs in four stages.
A person is in the first stage of shock when they have lost 15% of their blood volume, and their heart rate and blood pressure are likely still normal. As the blood loss continues, they enter stage two. The heart rate increases, and they breathe rapidly. The individual remains in stage two until they have lost 30% of their blood.
When a person enters stage three, they have lost 30-40% of their blood volume. Blood pressure has dropped significantly, and the heart and breathing rates are climbing. They can no longer produce much urine. Stage four starts when a person has lost more than 40% of their blood. The blood pressure is extremely low, while the heart rate is very high. They may no longer be able to urinate.
Signs of Hypovolemic Shock
Individuals who are in hypovolemic shock may appear anxious or confused. They breathe and may pass out. They often feel weak and may sweat excessively. Their skin will also feel cool. As mentioned, their heart rate and breathing will be rapid, and their temperature drops along with their blood pressure.
Hypovolemic Shock Causes
Any significant blood or fluid loss can bring on hypovolemic shock. It may be internal or external bleeding, severe burns, and more. Any traumatic injury can bring on this condition, but an ulcer or other gastrointestinal issue might also cause it. Burst aneurysms can lead to hypovolemic shock, as can an ectopic pregnancy.
Any person who has lost a significant amount of blood or fluid should head to the emergency room. Prompt action offers the best outcome. Medical providers will provide fluids and blood via an IV. Additionally, they will be given medication to raise the blood pressure, so the focus can turn to treating the injury or illness that led to the shock. With quick action, the results can be reversed.