Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when different organs of the body are not getting enough blood to ensure normal function. It is a frequent cause of admission to the ICU.

Shock can be caused by different medical conditions, including:

• Severe infections;
• Heart problems, such as a heart attack or abnormal heartbeat;
• Bleeding;
• Severe dehydration;
• Allergic reactions;
• A blood clot in the lung, known as a pulmonary embolism (LINK to 10.3).

Depending on the cause of the shock, low blood pressure may result from:

• A failure of the heart to pump the blood around the body;
• A loss of tone of the blood vessels, known as vasodilatation;
• A combination of both of the above.

Blood pressure:

• Blood pressure can be monitored in two different ways through a blood pressure cuff or through a small device introduced into a blood vessel to provide constant measurement. This will usually be used for really sick patients who require frequent monitoring.

Different treatments can be given to normalize the blood pressure:

• Medications, called Vasopressors, can be used to help increase the blood pressure;
• Treating the underlying cause of the shock, such as using antibiotics to control an infection.