Blood volume and heart disease

Abstract

Summary The methods for measuring the intravascular volume have been reviewed and evaluated. Plasma volume and red cell mass should be independently measured if accurate estimates of total blood volume are to be obtained. Cardiovascular disease in itself is not necessarily accompanied by alterations in blood volume unless failure of the right ventricle ensues. However, even in the absence of right heart failure, alterations in blood volume may be seen in those conditions causing distention of the right ventricle (as tricuspid valve insufficiency), or in arterio-venous shunts, and anoxemia. The regulatory system controlling blood volume is not known and the mechanisms underlying the changes seen in heart disease await clarification in view of the many inter-related body functions acting to preserve homeostasis.