shock index

The shock index is a simple medical measurement used to assess how well the heart is responding to stress or injury. It is calculated by dividing a person’s heart rate (beats per minute) by their systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading). A normal shock index typically ranges from 0.5 to 0.7. Higher values may indicate that the body is experiencing shock—a serious condition where organs and tissues aren’t getting enough blood and oxygen, often due to bleeding, dehydration, or injury. It's a quick tool to help healthcare providers evaluate patient stability and urgency.