Shock
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Shock is a circulatory failure resulting in inadequate organ perfusion - basically, if you're not getting enough oxygen to the important bits and pieces, you're probably in shock. There are lots of different causes of shock but broadly speaking there are two categories. Essentially, there are four important types of shock:
- Cardiogenic shock - your heart isn't pumping efficiently enough
- Hypovolaemic shock - literally "low-volume" shock i.e. there isn't enough blood
- Septic shock - due to a blood infection
- Anaphylactic shock - a life-threatening allergic reaction
There are other types of shock but these are much rarer. Endocrine failure due to Addison's disease or hypothyroidism. Neurogenic and iatrogenic shock (in anaesthetics and with antihypertensives) can also occur.