Fact 14: Hemodynamic Instability – When Circulation Falters
Hemodynamic instability is a critical component to watch for in Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS). It’s the state when your blood circulation doesn’t adequately supply the tissues and organs of your body with oxygen and nutrients, and it’s a big deal.
Firstly, let’s break it down. Hemodynamic refers to the flow of blood within an organism. The circulatory system, at its optimum, keeps a stable environment for the function of the body’s organs. Now, instability in this system? That’s a red flag.
You might see this hemodynamic instability manifest in low blood pressure (hypotension) or high heart rate (tachycardia). The heart is working overtime, trying to pump the blood through the body, but it’s a losing battle. This destabilization can quickly become a cascade, affecting the kidneys, liver, and other organs.
Let’s dive deeper. When blood flow drops, the kidneys don’t get the oxygen they need, leading to kidney injury. Plus, lower blood flow to the liver affects its function, leading to a build-up of waste products in the blood. And we’re just getting started. The gastrointestinal tract also gets impacted, compromising its ability to absorb nutrients and leading to malnutrition.(14)
