In septic shock, what happens to the Cardiac Output (CO)?

In septic shock, the body's response to infection involves a complex interplay of inflammatory mediators, leading to systemic vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels. This can result in a significant drop in systemic vascular resistance and an overall increase in the volume of blood returning to the heart.

As a compensatory mechanism, the body often responds to reduced tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery by increasing heart rate and cardiac contractility, thereby elevating cardiac output. Therefore, during septic shock, while there may be a drop in blood pressure due to vasodilation, the cardiac output tends to increase as the heart works harder to maintain adequate circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs.

In the context of septic shock, understanding the dynamics of cardiac output is essential for appropriate management and treatment strategies, as it directly influences hemodynamic stability and patient outcomes.