Septic shock is a common and lethal condition that remains one of the leading causes of death in the hospital. Greater awareness, understanding of the condition and knowledge of effective management may decrease the mortality rate. In this book, the authors discuss the symptoms, management and risk factors of septic shock. Topics include the pathophysiology of cardiovascular failure in septic shock; life threatening infections and septic shock during idiopathic drug-induced agranulocytosis; the role of HMGB1 in cardiac dysfunction during septic shock; the epidemiological impact of sepsis and septic shock; and possible implications for the treatment of septic patients with interventions aimed at opening microcirculation.