Blood pressure usually takes a nosedive, even with medication. The heart might start doing weird rhythms, like atrial fibrillation or a slow, dying electrical storm.
It’s not a flatline on the monitor (yet), but it’s a chaotic, fading signal. Imagine a radio station slowly losing its frequency, just static and bits of song.
The Skin Tells a Story
Besides the blue tint, the skin can become mottled—a lacy, purple pattern, especially on the knees and feet. It’s called “livedo reticularis,” and it looks like a spiderweb under the skin.
This happens because blood is pooling and oxygen is scarce. It’s like the skin is the first to admit, “I’m not getting the email anymore.”
What are Signs of Death/End of Life When a Critically Ill Patient is on