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Circulatory collapse is an acute failure of the circulatory system that develops regardless of age as a result of reduced stroke and minute volume of the heart or due to a reduction in circulating blood volume in relation to dilated vessels. This ailment is manifested by dizziness, nausea and a poorly palpable pulse. First aid is important in treatment.
What is a circulatory collapse?
Cardiovascular collapse is an acute cardiovascular failure. The cause of this ailment is a decrease in the cardiac output and stroke volume or a decrease in the volume of circulating blood in relation to dilated vessels. Symptoms of cardiovascular collapse are nausea, dizziness and cold sweats. Affliction lasts for a few seconds or a few minutes, sometimes it may last longer. Collapse may be accompanied by unconsciousness, but not in all cases. Long-term cardiovascular collapse is a direct threat to the patient’s life.
Circulatory collapse – causes
Circulatory collapse is characterized by a significant widening of the lumen of the blood vessels, leading to a reduction in blood pressure and insufficient oxygen and nutrients in the blood. Circulatory collapse may be a consequence of:
- the course of various poisonings or infectious diseases,
- profuse diarrhea or vomiting (leading to severe dehydration),
- hemorrhages
- injuries,
- flu
- lying down for a long time and suddenly standing up.
Other factors that increase the risk of developing a circulatory collapse include:
- heart conditions
- surgical procedures related to high blood loss,
- thrombosis,
- taking medications for blood pressure and their side effects,
- shock,
- dengue fever,
- consumption of sea water,
- mesenteric artery syndrome.
Symptoms of circulatory collapse
Symptoms of circulatory collapse are:
- weakness,
- apathy,
- poor heart rate,
- paleness,
- increased thirst,
- sweating
- low blood pressure,
- superficial and shallow breathing,
- dizziness,
- pale skin,
- swoon,
- excessive sweating.
Among the symptoms, we can also distinguish some warning symptoms that precede cardiovascular collapse. They are:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain,
- dizziness,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- anxiety,
- tingling and stinging fingers,
- feeling cold.
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Reduction of blood pressure in the course of cardiovascular collapse leads to reduced blood flow to tissues and organs. As a result, insufficient oxygen and nutrients enter our body. In the case of the heart vessels, acute heart failure occurs, leading to cardiac arrest almost every time.
Peripheral venous and arterial insufficiency leads to the following complications:
- organ failure,
- gangrene,
- other serious complications.
Circulatory collapse – management
A patient with circulatory collapse should be placed in a horizontal position (even a pillow for the head is not recommended), with the legs slightly higher than the head, to ensure greater blood flow to the brain. It is good to provide him with physical and mental peace and warm his limbs with hot water bottles. If vomiting occurs, the patient should be placed on his side to prevent choking. It is also recommended to apply cold compresses to the forehead and neck, and to put under the nose, e.g. cologne, to stimulate circulation. However, the most important thing is to call a doctor immediately, especially if the circulatory collapse persists for a long time.
If the patient wants to strengthen the circulatory system, he can try a dietary supplement with tocotrienols, which are found in vitamin E. They protect against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Note: If the patient is unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR.
Circulatory collapse – treatment
Norepinephrine is administered to a patient with circulatory collapse. At a later stage of treatment, steps are taken to treat the cause of the circulatory collapse.
A complication of circulatory collapse is the patient’s death.
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