shock index
Heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure, used as an early indicator of hemodynamic compromise and blood loss.
Full Definition
A simple hemodynamic parameter calculated by dividing heart rate by systolic blood pressure, with normal values typically less than 1.0 in adults and age-adjusted ranges in children. Elevated shock index indicates increased physiological stress and may detect hemodynamic instability before traditional vital signs become abnormal. In pediatric critical care, shock index helps identify children at risk for significant blood loss, dehydration, or early shock states, particularly valuable in trauma and sepsis evaluation.
Usage
Usage note: Calculate using simultaneous heart rate and systolic blood pressure measurements. Age-specific normal ranges apply in pediatrics.
In Context
- "The shock index of 1.4 indicated significant hemodynamic compromise despite normal blood pressure." — Trauma assessment
- "Serial shock index measurements showed improvement with fluid resuscitation from 1.2 to 0.8." — Response to treatment documentation