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Circulatory Depression

Circulatory depression, also termed cardiac decompensation or circulatory insufficiency, occurs when not enough blood flows through the circulatory system. The common term for the condition is shock. It can be present in varying degrees and can be caused by a number of factors. Once circulatory depression begins, it needs to be treated quickly, because it can have serious or fatal results.

  1. Symptoms

    • Blood pressure drops and pulse rate is rapid but not strong. There could be chest pain, anxiety and confusion, pale and moist skin, shallow breathing and a bluish tinge around fingernails and lips. The person may feel dizzy and could faint or become unconscious. He could also have trouble urinating or stops altogether. These symptoms reflect the reduced supply of blood to the brain, vital body organs and body extremities. Chest pains can indicate stress or damage to the heart.

    Treatment

    • Call 911 and get immediate medical help for a person going into shock. If she is awake and has no spinal injuries, she should lay flat with feet and legs 12 inches higher than the head. Keep the person warm and comfortable. Give appropriate first aid for obvious injuries or trauma. If the person is unconscious, keep his airway open and check for breathing every five minutes. Give CPR if breathing stops. Do not give food or drink and don't move a person if a spinal injury is suspected. Medical personnel can correctly diagnose shock and apply successful treatment, but on-the-spot first aid can help prevent organ damage and death.

    Classes

    • The National Institutes of Health lists some of the major classes of shock. Cardiogenic shock is due to heart problems, while hypovolemic shock results from insufficient blood volume. Neurogenic shock arises from nerve damage, septic shock comes from infections and allergic reactions cause anaphylactic shock.

    Causes

    • Heart attacks cause circulatory depression because the heart tissue itself is being damaged. Genetic heart defects, such as defects in the septum that separates heart chambers can cause circulatory insufficiency. Internal hemorrhaging or external bleeding lowers blood volume. Dehydration from loss of body fluids other than blood occurs with vomiting, diarrhea, burns and excessive sweating and decreases blood volume. Illnesses or infections can cause body tissues to retain fluids causing reduced blood flow. Shock can occur as a result of anesthesia or from spinal injury. Some medications and excessive alcohol or drug intake can bring on shock.

    Prevention

    • Maintain good overall health for heart disease prevention. Learn about preventing dehydration and accidents and injuries. Take first aid and CPR courses so shock symptoms can be recognized and dealt with immediately. Be prepared to deal with known allergies that can result in anaphylaxis. Wear a medical tag or bracelet to alert caregivers to health problems.

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