What is circulatory overload primarily caused by?

Circulatory overload is primarily caused by the rapid infusion of intravenous fluids. When IV fluids are administered too quickly, they can exceed the body's ability to handle the increased volume of fluid in the vascular system. This leads to an overload situation where excess fluid can accumulate in the vascular space and cause symptoms such as hypertension, dyspnea, and pulmonary edema.

In a clinical setting, understanding the rate of fluid administration is crucial to prevent such complications. Monitoring patients for signs of circulatory overload during and after fluid administration ensures timely intervention if problems arise.

While insufficient heart function, vasodilation from medications, and low sodium intake may affect fluid distribution or body fluid balance, they do not primarily cause the immediate risk of circulatory overload as directly as the rapid infusion of fluids does. Therefore, the rapid infusion of IV fluids is a direct and primary contributor to this condition.