In early septic shock, what happens to cardiac output?

• A. It decreases
• B. It remains unchanged
• C. It increases
• D. It becomes highly variable

Answer: (C)

In early septic shock the heart pumps more blood than normal because the body’s response to infection includes widespread vasodilation and a strong sympathetic drive. The vessels relax, lowering afterload, which makes it easier for the heart to eject blood. At the same time, catecholamines increase heart rate and contractility, boosting stroke volume. The combination of more blood being pushed out per beat and a faster heart rate leads to a higher cardiac output. This phase is often described as a hyperdynamic or “warm” state. Later in septic shock, myocardial function can become depressed and cardiac output may decline or become more variable, but in the early stage it increases.