Hematocrit and Hemorrhage: Understanding the Relationship

Hemorrhage, which refers to excessive or uncontrolled bleeding, can lead to a decrease in hematocrit.

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the total volume of blood. When there is significant bleeding, the body loses red blood cells and the total blood volume increases as fluid shifts from the interstitial space into the vascular space in order to maintain blood pressure. This dilution effect reduces the concentration of red blood cells in the blood, resulting in a lower hematocrit.