Cardiovascular collapse is a sudden drop in blood pressure. Without rapid treatment, the patient’s vital prognosis is engaged. What are its causes ? His symptoms? Risk factors ? What is the treatement ? PasseportSanté takes stock.

Cardiovascular collapse is a sudden drop in blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure is then less than 80 millimeters of mercury. Usually, cardiovascular collapse is associated with a weak and rapid pulse. If not taken care of quickly, the patient may go into shock, that is, acute circulatory failure. This results in an insufficient supply of blood to the body’s cells, leading to a drop in the level of oxygen in the blood. As a result, the organs are no longer supplied with oxygen, which can lead to death. Cardiovascular collapse is differentiated from pulmonary collapse, which is characterized by collapse, loss of lung volume due to compression or obstruction of the airways. The most common causes are pleural effusion, pneumothorax, tumor, etc.

Cardiovascular collapse can manifest itself in different ways:

• increased heart and respiratory rates, a sign that the body is trying to send oxygen;
• pallor of the face;
• a rapid pulse greater than 120 beats per minute;
• the appearance of blue streaks on the skin;
• dizziness ;
• unconsciousness for several seconds.

Four situations are likely to lead to cardiovascular collapse:

• Hypovolemic shock: that is, a decrease in the amount of fluid in the circulation that can occur as a result of dehydration or bleeding;
• Septic shock: it is caused by a serious infection and corresponds to an acute circulatory failure;
• Anaphylactic shock: this is an exacerbated allergic reaction which causes dilation of the arteries and consequently a drop in blood pressure;
• A drop in cardiac output (cardiogenic shock) that follows heart muscle failure.

Cardiovascular collapse requires urgent management because it leads to failure of vital organs, and can lead to death. In the event of symptoms, it is imperative to call 15 as soon as possible. The treatment will depend on the cause of the cardiovascular collapse. For example, in the event of septic shock, antibiotics will be administered. If it is an anaphylactic shock, the injection of intramuscular epinephrine in the thigh must be carried out at the first signs of shock and hospital emergencies requested as soon as possible.