Symptom 3: Cardiovascular Collapse – A Serious Warning Sign of MODS
Cardiovascular collapse, often referred to as shock, is a common manifestation of MODS. Essentially, it’s a state where the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
At first, patients may experience symptoms like lightheadedness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat. These are signs that the heart is struggling to supply oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues and organs effectively.
As the condition deteriorates, blood pressure can drop to dangerously low levels, a condition known as hypotension. This decrease in blood pressure exacerbates the inadequate supply of blood to the body’s organs and tissues, further impairing their function.
In severe cases, MODS patients might exhibit signs of cardiovascular collapse such as cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, and an altered mental state. If not managed promptly, it can lead to irreversible organ damage and possibly even death. (3)