Muhammad Ali: Boxing legend died from ‘extreme’ septic shock – condition

Due to the seriousness of the condition, septic shock involves a number of complications including respiratory failure, heart failure, kidney failure and abnormal blood clotting. The individual’s chance of survival is based upon the number of organs that have failed.

However, there are treatment options for medical professionals to try on patients with septic shock. This mainly involves oxygen therapy and increasing blood flow in order to raise blood pressure.

To increase the blood flow to your vital organs, such as the brain, liver, kidneys and heart, individuals may be prescribed inotropic medicines or vasopressors.

The former, inotropic medicines (inotropes), stimulate the heart. They increase the strength of your heartbeat, which helps get oxygen-rich blood to your tissues and organs, where it is needed most.