#257 Stressed Vs Unstressed Volume Explained | Venous Return, MSFP & Shock

Understanding stressed vs unstressed volume is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—concepts in hemodynamics and shock.

In this episode, we break down how venous capacitance, mean systemic filling pressure (MSFP), and venous returnactually work, and why they matter for managing critically ill patients in the ICU and emergency department.

We focus on translating physiology into practical bedside understanding, including:

• What stressed and unstressed volume actually represent
• How MSFP drives venous return
• Why vasopressors (like norepinephrine) increase effective circulating volume
• How fluids vs vasopressors impact preload differently
• Applying this framework to septic shock, hemorrhagic shock, and distributive states

If you’ve ever wondered why fluids or vasopressors work (or don’t), this episode gives you the physiology behind it.

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🎥 Watch the full video version here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ubYO-XI5Mw

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🔥 Get the study guide for this episode + full emergency critical care curriculum:
https://www.patreon.com/c/WhiteBoardMedicine

Study guides • Mini-courses • Practice questions • Structured ICU curriculum • Ad-free content

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical decisions should be based on independent clinical judgment, institutional protocols, and current guidelines.