[A classification of shock based on hemodynamic profiles]

Shock is a syndrome of numerous etiologies. The treatment of shock syndrome depends on the etiology and circulatory pathophysiology. From the viewpoint of circulatory physiology, the mechanism of circulatory failure can be attributed to three factors: blood volume; cardiac contractility; and vascular resistance. Balloon-tipped pulmonary artery (Swan-Ganz) catheters can distinguish between these factors in the clinical setting and allows physicians to treat shock patients most appropriately and logically. The author proposes a treatment-oriented classification of shock based on Swan-Ganz catheter findings and divides shock into three types: hypovolemic; cardiogenic; and low-resistant shock. All clinicians who treat shock must have qualified knowledge of and experience in handling this beneficial but invasive monitoring device.