Hypovolemic Shock

When low blood flow or perfusion is first detected, a number of systems are activated in order to restore perfusion. The result is that the heart beats faster, the blood vessels constrict and become smaller in diameter, and kidneys are working and trying to retain fluid in the circulatory system. This helps to increase blood flow to the most important organs in the body, like the brain and heart.

The cardiovascular system responds to hypovolemic shock by increasing the heart rate, increasing myocardial contractility, and constricting peripheral blood vessels. The cardiovascular system also responds by redistributing blood to the brain, heart, and kidneys and away from skin, muscle, and GI tract. As mentioned before, the body is trying to redirect the blood flow to the heart and brain. If it doesn’t, it can cause permanent damage.

Treatment: The purpose of the treatment is to quickly restore the blood that was lost and prevent further

blood loss as well. There are three thing that we need to include in the therapy. As mentioned before, blood volume needs to be restored by transfusion and oxygen levels need to be controlled. The blood needs to be supplied with the adequate amount of oxygen, and also prevent further blood loss.