Shock syndromes
Shock is inadequate tissue perfusion relative to metabolic demand. Categories help organize investigation, but multiple mechanisms can occur simultaneously in one critically ill patient.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Shock syndromes — specialty learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal overview diagram showing four related domains. This is not a literal anatomy drawing, histologic image or clinical decision rule.
Hypovolemic
Loss of blood or fluid can reduce venous return, stroke volume and tissue perfusion.
Cardiogenic
Cardiac contractile or rhythm problems can restrict effective forward flow despite adequate or elevated filling pressures.
Distributive
Severe vasodilation and altered microcirculatory flow, as in some septic states, may impair effective tissue perfusion.
Obstructive
Conditions limiting ventricular filling or ejection may reduce output despite functioning myocardium.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.