This lack of oxygen causes injury to many body systems.
Shock is a life-threatening condition and requires emergency medical treatment immediately.
Some cases of shock can be prevented by keeping heart disease and diabetes under control. A person with severe diarrhea or vomiting , infection, or a head injury should be seen by a healthcare provider. Shock is usually diagnosed by seeing a pattern of change in a person's vital signs. The vital signs include pulse, blood pressure, and breathing. Some blood tests can also help show some of the signs of shock.