Acute circulatory effects of arterial bleeding as determined by indicator-dilution curves in normal human subjects

Abstract

1. 1. Arterial bleeding of 460 to 900 ml. in 19 normal young male adults produced an immediate and significant reduction in cardiac output, stroke volume, and “central blood volume” (CBV). Only minor alterations were noted in heart rate or brachial arterial pressure. Small elevations in mean transit time and total systemic resistance were observed. 2. 2. The “central blood volume” decreased in proportion to the total blood volume, suggesting no significant redistribution of blood volume after arteriotomy. 3. 3. A significant correlation was observed between the changes in stroke volume and “central blood volume,” supporting the concept of a central “reservoir” in maintaining stroke volume. 4. 4. The changes in systemic resistance were inversely related to changes in cardiac output. 5. 5. Although a fall in right atrial pressure occurred after arteriotomy, it was not correlated with changes in cardiac output or stroke volume.