Low blood volume

Low blood volume is a commonly found sign of ME/CFS and POTS.

Low blood volume may be attributed to reduced manufacture of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Some researchers link the lack of production to deconditioning, due to the fact that decreased ADH correlates to increased severity of symptoms. However, this does not necessarily indicate the 'third cause' is deconditioning. Many moderately active patients suffer from low blood volume and accompanying orthostatic intolerance.

Notable studies

• The roles of orthostatic hypotension, orthostatic tachycardia, and subnormal erythrocyte volume in the pathogenesis of the chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Renin-Aldosterone Paradox and Perturbed Blood Volume Regulation Underlying Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
• Chronic fatigue syndrome: illness severity, sedentary lifestyle, blood volume and evidence of diminished cardiac function.
• Down-regulation of renin-aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone systems in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Hormonal alterations in adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome.

Learn more

• The Blood Volume Paradox in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and POTS - Health Rising
• Dr. David Bell on Low Blood Volume in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

See also

• Small heart syndrome
• Cardiac problems in ME/CFS
• Cardiovascular system