What medical condition refers to an excess of fluid in the blood?

Hypervolemia is the medical condition characterized by an excess of fluid in the blood or an overall increase in blood volume. This condition can result from various factors, including excessive fluid intake, kidney dysfunction, heart failure, or hormonal imbalances that affect fluid regulation in the body. As the volume of blood increases, it can lead to complications such as hypertension, edema, and increased workload on the heart.

In contrast, hypovolemia refers to a state of decreased blood volume, often due to loss of blood or fluids, while dehydration indicates a deficit of fluid in the body tissues, usually from insufficient fluid intake or excessive loss. Shock is a critical condition resulting from inadequate blood flow to meet the body's needs and can be due to various causes, but it is not synonymous with having too much fluid in circulation. Each of these conditions involves different pathophysiological processes and emphasizes the importance of fluid balance for maintaining homeostasis.