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The body has a complex system for regulating blood pressure, which ensures adequate blood flow to each organ and tissue. The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system, various hormones produced by the adrenal and pituitary glands, the kidneys, the heart, and local mechanisms in all parts of the body control the amount of blood in the vessels, how much blood is squeezed out of the heart with each beat, and how much blood is available to any body system at a given time. A failure in any of these regulatory areas can cause the blood pressure to become too low for the person to function normally.

The primary goal of the cardiovascular system is to provide blood flow, carrying oxygen and other nutrients to all tissues to meet their requirements. The cardiovascular system performs this function by maintaining a blood pressure high enough to push sufficient blood flow throughout the body, especially the vital organs. To keep the blood pressure up, the heart must pump sufficient amounts of blood even when the demand for increased blood flow to some tissues occurs. The blood vessels also play an important role in maintaining blood pressure. The heart and the blood vessels work in a coordinated manner to maintain blood pressure and blood flow.

Septic shock is acute cardiovascular collapse precipitated by a complex interaction between biochemical agents in the bloodstream and the body’s immune system as it attempts to respond to infectious agents. Arterial hypotension persists despite adequate fluid resuscitation. The circulatory system is unable to meet cells' metabolic demands: delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of waste products. Pumping and circulation fail, leading to reduced tissue perfusion and organ dysfunction. Mortality approaches 40 to 70 percent.