circulatory failure [L, circulatio + fallere, to deceive] , inability of the cardiovascular system to supply the cells of the body with enough oxygenated blood to meet their metabolic demands. The condition may result from abnormal cardiac function, as in myocardial infarction; from an inadequate circulating volume of blood, as occurs in hemorrhage; or from mass systemic vasodilation, as may occur in gram-negative septicemia. See also shock.
