Which type of shock is characterized by increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance?

Distributive shock is characterized by increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance. This type of shock arises from excessive vasodilation, which can occur in conditions such as septic shock, neurogenic shock, or anaphylactic shock. The vasodilation leads to a relative hypovolemia because of the larger vascular capacity, causing blood to pool in the peripheral circulation rather than being effectively distributed to vital organs.

In an attempt to compensate for this state, the heart often responds by increasing cardiac output, leading to the observed high cardiac output in distributive shock. However, because of this decrease in systemic vascular resistance, tissues may not receive adequate perfusion and oxygenation, despite the heart pumping more vigorously. This highlights the unique pathophysiology of distributive shock compared to other forms such as hypovolemic, cardiogenic, or obstructive shock, which have different mechanisms affecting cardiac output and vascular resistance.