Hypoperfusion

What Is Hypoperfusion?

Hypoperfusion is a decrease in blood flow to a certain area of the body — usually caused by poor circulation, inflammation, or inadequate tissue oxygenation. When the rate of supply of oxygenated blood to the area falls below the rate of demand, the area is said to be hypoperfused. This results in oxygen deprivation of the cells, which in turn can lead to organ damage, sepsis, or death.

What Causes Hypoperfusion?

Hypoperfusion can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Heart disease
High blood pressure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic renal failure
Heart attack
Sepsis
Atherosclerosis
Shock
Severe injury
Aneurysm
Vasculitis
Stroke
Dehydration

Hypoperfusion can also be caused by an infection that blocks or decreases blood flow to an area. Inflammation can also lead to hypoperfusion.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoperfusion

The signs and symptoms of hypoperfusion depend on the area and type of tissue affected. Common symptoms include:

Lightheadedness
Coldness
Numbness
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Confusion
Agitation
Poor wound healing
Altered mental status
Decreased urinary output
Tachycardia
Bradycardia
Palpitations
Low blood pressure

Diagnosis of Hypoperfusion

Hypoperfusion can be diagnosed using a variety of tests, including:

Blood tests
X-rays
Computerized tomography (CT) scans
Ultrasound
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Echocardiograms
Electrocardiograms (ECGs)

Treatment of Hypoperfusion

The main goal of treatment is to increase blood flow to the area affected. Treatment may include:

Medications to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and prevent clot formation
Surgery to repair blood vessels
Dialysis to remove toxins from the blood
Blood transfusions to replace lost blood
Oxygen therapy to increase the oxygen supply
Monitoring for signs of organ damage or sepsis