Hypervolemia

Hypervolemia (or "Fluid overload") is the medical condition where there is too much fluid in the blood.

• This 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 (peripheral edema), and/or in the abdomen (ascites).

• Eventually, this fluid enters the air spaces in the lungs, reduces the amount of oxygen that can enter the blood, and causes shortness of breath (dyspnea). Fluid can also collect in the lungs when lying down at night and can make nighttime breathing and sleeping difficult (Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Weighing the right way

Safe Weighing Range Ensures Accurate Results

What Causes Fluid Overload?

Fluid overload can be caused by many reasons, including problems with the heart, kidneys, lungs or a combination of any of these vital organs. Fluid overload can also be experienced after certain surgical operations. Congestive Heart Failure is the most common reason for fluid overload.

The opposite condition is Hypovolemia (too little fluid volume in the blood).

See also

• volume status
• fluid balance
• edema
• anasarca (swelling of skin)
• ascites (excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity)
• pleural effusion (excess fluid in the pleural cavity)
• congestive heart failure
• diuretics
• aquapheresis