Alternative Names
Shock – hypovolemic
Definition of Hypovolemic shock
Hypovolemic shock is an emergency condition in which severe blood and fluid loss makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body. This type of shock can cause many organs to stop working.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Losing about 1/5 or more of the normal amount of blood in your body causes hypovolemic shock.
Signs and tests
An examination shows signs of shock, including:
Treatment
Get immediate medical help. In the meantime, follow these steps:
Expectations (prognosis)
Hypovolemic shock is always a medical emergency. However, symptoms and outcomes can vary depending on:
Review
Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 1/14/2010
