In which type of shock is cardiac output typically high and systemic vascular resistance low?

In distributive shock, cardiac output is typically high while systemic vascular resistance is low. This form of shock is characterized by a relative rather than absolute deficiency of blood flow to the tissues, primarily due to vasodilation and a decrease in vascular resistance. Conditions like septic shock, neurogenic shock, and anaphylactic shock fall under this category.

In distributive shock, although the heart may pump effectively (contributing to a high cardiac output), the widespread vasodilation results in a larger capacity for blood flow, causing a significant drop in systemic vascular resistance. This can often lead to signs of increased cardiac output as a compensatory mechanism to maintain tissue perfusion despite the lower resistance.

In contrast, the other types of shock such as cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and obstructive shock present different hemodynamic profiles, typically featuring a lower cardiac output and a higher systemic vascular resistance. Thus, distributive shock stands out due to its unique combination of high output and low resistance which is critical for understanding the underlying pathophysiology and management of the conditions that lead to this type of shock.