Sepsis (infection in the bloodstream), on the other hand, can cause vasodilatation with reduced afterload and circulatory shock termed ‘septic’. The causes that can lead to circulatory shock are many and can involve various systems, particularly – but not exclusively – the circulatory system.Ĭirculatory shock may be the consequence of inadequate cardiac contractility, or insufficient vascular tone (inadequate afterload) or hypovolaemia (inadequate pre-load).įor example, myocardial infarction can cause inadequate cardiac contractility, which can lead to shock, in this case referred to as ‘cardiogenic’. TRAINING IN FIRST AID? VISIT THE DMC DINAS MEDICAL CONSULTANTS BOOTH AT EMERGENCY EXPO Causes and risk factors of circulatory shock sensory abnormalities, reduced urine output). arterial hypotension), the condition of shock is only present when signs of vital organ dysfunction are evident (e.g. Necrosis of vital tissue can lead to irreversible damage and death of the patient.Īlthough there are many parameters that indicate the presence of suboptimal circulation (e.g. In simple terms: tissues need more blood nourishment than the body can provide, and tissue that is not adequately nourished risks necrosis, i.e. Since the ultimate purpose of the blood circulation is to supply oxygen and other vital nutrients to the body’s organs, circulatory insufficiency occurs when this function is not performed effectivelyĬirculatory insufficiency or shock occurs when the blood circulation is unable to meet the metabolic demands of vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidney and so on.

System shock 1 resistance