Hypervolemia


Hypervolemia, also known as fluid overload, is the medical condition where there is too much fluid in the blood. The opposite condition is hypovolemia, which is too little fluid volume in the blood. Fluid volume excess in the intravascular compartment occurs due to an increase in total body sodium content and a consequent increase in extracellular body water. The mechanism usually stems from compromised regulatory mechanisms for sodium handling as seen in congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and liver failure. It may also be caused by excessive intake of sodium from foods, intravenous solutions and blood transfusions, medications, or diagnostic contrast dyes. Treatment typically includes administration of diuretics and limit the intake of water, fluids, sodium, and salt.

Signs and symptoms

The excess fluid, primarily salt and water, builds up in various locations in the body and leads to an increase in weight, swelling in the legs and arms, and/or fluid in the abdomen. Eventually, the fluid enters the air spaces in the lungs reduces the amount of oxygen that can enter the blood, and causes shortness of breath or enters pleural space by transudation, which is the best indicator of estimating central venous pressure is increased. It can also cause swelling of the face. Fluid can also collect in the lungs when lying down at night, possibly making nighttime breathing and sleeping difficult.

Complications

is the most common result of fluid overload. Also, it may be associated with hyponatremia.

Causes

Excessive sodium and/or fluid intake:
Sodium and water retention:
Fluid shift into the intravascular space:
Treatment includes diuretics, such as furosemide.