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Septic shock and low blood pressure: what to know

How the structures involved in Low Blood Pressure differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Low Blood Pressure differ from normal

Short answer

Septic shock can cause dangerously low blood pressure because infection-related inflammation makes blood vessels widen and allows fluid to move out of the circulation.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Urgency
Possible septic shock needs emergency assessment.
Blood pressure
Low pressure may reflect impaired circulation during severe infection.
Do not delay
Confusion, fainting or severe breathlessness require emergency help.

What this means

Sepsis is the body's harmful, overwhelming response to an infection. In septic shock, reduced circulation can limit oxygen delivery to the brain, heart, kidneys and other organs. A person may feel faint, confused, unusually weak, cold or clammy, or breathe faster than usual. Dizziness can occur when the brain receives less blood flow; see the guide to [Dizziness](/symptoms/dizziness/). Low blood pressure may be one part of a wider emergency, not an isolated reading.

What to do now

If septic shock is suspected, call emergency services immediately and say that a serious infection and possible shock are concerns. Keep the person lying down if this does not worsen breathing, keep them warm, and stay with them. Do not give food, drink or medicines by mouth if they are confused, vomiting or struggling to swallow. Do not drive an unstable person yourself. Hospital teams may give oxygen, fluids through a vein, antibiotics and medicines that support blood pressure while they look for and treat the infection.

When to seek urgent care

Seek emergency help for fainting, new confusion, severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, very little urine, cold or mottled skin, or worsening weakness during an infection. Do not wait for a home blood-pressure check if the person looks seriously unwell. A GP consultation can assess less urgent symptoms, but possible shock needs emergency services first; follow-up care may include a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/).

Questions for your doctor

What infection may be causing the low blood pressure? Which symptoms should prompt a return to hospital? How will kidney function, urine output and circulation be monitored after discharge?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can septic shock start with dizziness?

Yes. Dizziness or faintness can occur when infection-related changes reduce effective blood flow, especially when standing.

Is low blood pressure alone septic shock?

No. Low blood pressure has many causes, but low pressure with infection and signs of organ or circulation problems is an emergency.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.