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Shock    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Definition:

A serious condition that occurs when the cardio-vascular system is unable to supply enough blood flow to the body, usually associated with low blood pressure and cell or tissue damage.

Considerations

Shock is caused by any condition that dangerously reduces blood flow, including heart problems (such as heart attack or heart failure), low blood volume (as with heavy bleeding or dehydration), or changes in blood vessels (as with severe allergic reactions or infection).

Major classes of shock include: cardiogenic shock (associated with heart problems), hypovolemic shock (caused by inadequate blood volume), anaphylactic shock (caused by allergic reaction), septic shock (associated with infections), and neurogenic shock (caused by damage to the nervous system).

Shock is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment. Some degree of shock can accompany any medical emergency. Shock can get worse very rapidly. Be prepared to begin rescue breathing or CPR as needed.

Causes

• Bleeding (hypovolemic shock)
• Dehydration (hypovolemic shock)
• Heart attack (cardiogenic shock)
• Heart failure (cardiogenic shock)
• Trauma or serious injury
• Infections (septic shock)
• Allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock)
• Spinal injuries (neurogenic shock)
• Toxic shock syndrome

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