What it is
Blood volume is the amount of blood in the circulation. Body systems detect changes in volume and reflect them through arterial pressure changes.[1]
Why it matters
More circulating volume fills the vascular system more; too little volume leaves less fluid for the heart to pump and less pressure to maintain.[1,2]
Root causes of abnormal values
What it affects
- It links kidney fluid balance, arterial pressure, swelling, dehydration, shock, and medication context.[1]
Interpretation traps
- Routine blood pressure does not directly measure circulating blood volume.[1]