What term refers to the failure of the heart and blood vessels to maintain enough oxygen-rich blood flowing to vital organs?

The term that refers to the failure of the heart and blood vessels to maintain enough oxygen-rich blood flowing to vital organs is shock. Shock is a critical condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow, which can lead to organ failure and death if not treated promptly. It can result from various causes, including severe blood loss, heart problems, or infection, all of which compromise the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

In contrast, a heart attack specifically pertains to the blockage of blood flow to part of the heart muscle, while cardiopulmonary arrest refers to the cessation of heart and lung function, requiring immediate resuscitation efforts. A stroke is a medical emergency caused by the interruption of blood supply to the brain, leading to potential brain damage. Each of these conditions involves different mechanisms and consequences, but shock broadly refers to the systemic failure to maintain adequate blood circulation to sustain organ function.