heart and blood vessel disorders
Shock
Symptoms of Shock
Symptoms of shock are similar when the cause islow blood volumeorinadequate pumping action of the heart. The condition may begin with sluggishness, sleepiness, and confusion. The skin becomes cold and sweaty and often bluish, pale or ashen. If the skin is pressed, color returns much more slowly than normal. Blood vessels may become more visible as a bluish network of lines under the skin. The pulse is weak and rapid, unless a slow heartbeat is causing the shock. Usually, the person cannot sit up without feeling light-headed or passing out. Breathing is rapid, but breathing and the pulse may both slow down if death is imminent. Blood pressure drops so low that it often cannot be measured with a blood pressure cuff. Urination decreases and eventually stops Eventually, the person may go into a coma and die. When shock results fromexcessive dilation of blood vessels,the symptoms are somewhat different. The skin may be warm and flushed, and the pulse may be strong and forceful (bounding) rather than weak, particularly at first. However, later on, shock due to excessive dilation of blood vessels also produces cold, clammy skin and lethargy. In the earliest stages of shock, especially Sepsis and Septic Shock , many symptoms may be absent or may be undetected unless they are specifically looked for. In older people, the only symptom may be confusion. Urine flow may be reduced (because blood supply to the kidneys is reduced), and waste products may build up in the blood. The blood pressure may be low. 