What Is Hypovolemic Shock?

Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to your organs. Your body needs blood and oxygen pumped throughout the body to function and survive. Hypovolemic shock happens when the body loses at least 20% of its blood volume, usually from a traumatic injury.

It is also possible to experience this condition if you lose a significant amount of fluid through vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. It is imperative to seek immediate medical help if you are experiencing symptoms of hypovolemic shock, as it can lead to organ failure and death.

Causes

There are several causes of hypovolemic shock. Typically, the condition occurs after a traumatic injury, which results in significant blood loss. The bleeding can be external or internal. Internal bleeding poses a greater risk as someone may not know the internal bleeding is happening until other symptoms occur or tests are run. Additionally, hypovolemic shock can occur from burns, pancreatitis, or excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. It would take significant fluid loss for this to occur.

Other common causes include:

• Traumatic injury
• Surgery
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Burst aneurysm
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as an ulcer

Symptoms of Hypovolemic Shock

There are several symptoms of hypovolemic shock. Symptoms include:

• Quick or shallow breathing
• Excessive sweating
• Passing out
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Cool or clammy skin
• Weakness
• Little to no urination
• Low blood pressure or drop in blood pressure
• Low body temperature
• Faster or rapid pulse (tachycardia)

What Are the Four Stages of Hypovolemic Shock?

There are four stages of hypovolemic shock. Each stage increases the risk of organ failure and death.

• Stage 1: In this stage, you have lost at least 15% of your blood. Your heart rate and blood pressure may still be within a normal range.
• Stage 2: In this stage, you have lost 15%-30% of your blood. Your heart rate and breathing may begin to speed up. Your body will start to pull blood away from your limbs to focus on your vital organs. You may start to feel cold and experience anxiety.
• Stage 3: In this stage, you have lost 30%-40% of your blood. Your blood pressure will drop extremely low, and heart rate and breathing will quicken. There will be a significant decrease in your ability to urinate.
• Stage 4: In this stage, you have lost more than 40% of your blood. Your blood pressure will be low and heart rate will be high. You may feel fatigued. There will be minimal to no ability to urinate.

Diagnosis

There are usually no advanced warning signs for hypovolemic shock. By the time a doctor makes a diagnosis, you are already in the throes of shock. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and take your vitals. Additionally, your doctor may order the following tests:

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram
• CT scan or other imaging tests
• Right heart (Swan-Ganz) catheterization
• Endoscopy
• Urine test

Treatment

Hypovolemic shock is an emergency and involves immediate critical care. Once admitted to the ICU, the team of doctors will likely administer an IV to provide fluids, as well as an IV of blood. If the loss of fluid is due to an injury or internal bleeding, doctors may need to perform surgery to stop the bleeding. They may also give you medication to regulate your blood pressure. After treatment is provided, your team of doctors will continue to monitor you in the Intensive Care Unit.

Prevention of Hypovolemic Shock

Hypovolemic shock often occurs due to traumatic injury, which cannot always be prevented. However, if the loss of fluid is due to another reason, there are ways you can reduce your risk of going into shock. Preventative measures include:

• Stay hydrated
• If you are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting excessively, make sure to compensate for the fluid lost with an electrolyte-based drink and water
• If you are taking medication that is a diuretic, make sure to compensate by hydrating with an electrolyte-based drink and water. Also, consult with your doctor to discuss medication dosage management.
• If you sweat excessively, it is critical to replace the fluids and electrolytes lost

Complications of Hypovolemic Shock

Complications from hypovolemic shock may include:

• Infection (from surgery)
• Organ damage
• Death

Complications from treatment medications may include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat

Find Your Local Urgent Care

If you are experiencing hypovolemic shock, seeking immediate medical help is critical to your survival and recovery. Find your local Urgent Care immediately.