Causes
Some causes of shock include:
- Heart failure
- Heart attack
- Spinal cord injury
-
Systemic infection—
sepsis
- Other severe infection
- Allergic reaction
- Poisoning
- Loss of blood volume (hypovolemia)—this can be from severe bleeding or severe dehydration
- Heatstroke
- Trauma
- Severe hypoglycemia
- Stroke
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chances of shock:
- Pre-existing heart or blood vessel disease
- Impaired immunity
- Severe allergies
- Severe trauma
- Diabetes
Symptoms
The symptoms of shock depend on the cause. Shock can lead to:
- Weakness
- Problems with thought process, alertness, awareness, or changes in behavior
- Decreased urination
Shock can also cause:
- Cool and clammy skin
- Pale or mottled skin color
- Slow heartbeat
- Slow and shallow or rapid and deep breathing
- Dull eyes
- Pupils of the eye are larger than normal
Diagnosis
A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
- Breathing assessment
- Blood pressure measurement
- Heart rate monitoring
Other tests may be done to look for a cause. Tests may be:
- Blood tests and cultures
- ECG
- Imaging tests
Treatment
Shock will need emergency care. Treatment will help to improve blood flow and stop further damage. Care may include:
- Fluids or blood will be given through an IV. It will help to get blood pressure and heart rate to safer levels.
- The airway may need to be supported if there are breathing problems. Oxygen or other treatment will also make breathing easier.
- Medicine can help to increase blood pressure and blood flow. Vasopressors can open blood vessels to improve blood flow. Other medicine can make the heart beat more forcefully.
Other treatment may be needed to treat the cause of shock.
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of shock:
- Prevent or control heart or vascular disease.
- Avoid activity that puts you at risk of falls or other injuries.
- Carry an epinephrine pen with you if you have a severe allergy.
- Follow care plan for health issues, such as diabetes.
Causes
Some causes of shock include:
- Heart failure
- Heart attack
- Spinal cord injury
-
Systemic infection—
sepsis
- Other severe infection
- Allergic reaction
- Poisoning
- Loss of blood volume (hypovolemia)—this can be from severe bleeding or severe dehydration
- Heatstroke
- Trauma
- Severe hypoglycemia
- Stroke
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chances of shock:
- Pre-existing heart or blood vessel disease
- Impaired immunity
- Severe allergies
- Severe trauma
- Diabetes
Symptoms
The symptoms of shock depend on the cause. Shock can lead to:
- Weakness
- Problems with thought process, alertness, awareness, or changes in behavior
- Decreased urination
Shock can also cause:
- Cool and clammy skin
- Pale or mottled skin color
- Slow heartbeat
- Slow and shallow or rapid and deep breathing
- Dull eyes
- Pupils of the eye are larger than normal
Diagnosis
A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
- Breathing assessment
- Blood pressure measurement
- Heart rate monitoring
Other tests may be done to look for a cause. Tests may be:
- Blood tests and cultures
- ECG
- Imaging tests
Treatment
Shock will need emergency care. Treatment will help to improve blood flow and stop further damage. Care may include:
- Fluids or blood will be given through an IV. It will help to get blood pressure and heart rate to safer levels.
- The airway may need to be supported if there are breathing problems. Oxygen or other treatment will also make breathing easier.
- Medicine can help to increase blood pressure and blood flow. Vasopressors can open blood vessels to improve blood flow. Other medicine can make the heart beat more forcefully.
Other treatment may be needed to treat the cause of shock.
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of shock:
- Prevent or control heart or vascular disease.
- Avoid activity that puts you at risk of falls or other injuries.
- Carry an epinephrine pen with you if you have a severe allergy.
- Follow care plan for health issues, such as diabetes.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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