Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Cardiogenic Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition. It happens when vital organs in the body do not get the blood, oxygen, and nutrients that they need.
Cardiogenic shock is a type of shock that happens when the heart fails to pump blood effectively throughout the body. The usual cause of this problem is a damaged or weakened heart. Cardiogenic shock is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
What are the causes?
The underlying cause of this condition is heart failure. It may happen suddenly (acutely) or gradually if the heart is damaged.
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Heart attack. This is the most common cause of cardiogenic shock.
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Fluid buildup around the heart that accumulates quickly.
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Traumatic injury to the heart.
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Heart valve problems.
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A tumor in the heart.
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Infection or inflammation of the heart muscle.
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Certain medicines, including medicines that are poisonous (toxic) to the heart.
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A blood clot that has traveled to a lung (pulmonary embolism).
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Abnormal heart rhythm.
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High blood pressure (hypertension).
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Diabetes.
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Obesity.
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A history of heart attacks or other heart problems.
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Exposure to medicines that damage the heart.
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Recurrent pulmonary embolism.
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Genetic defects (abnormalities) in the heart muscle.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Low blood pressure (hypotension), which can make you feel dizzy, confused, and nauseous.
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Weak or irregular pulse.
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Sweating.
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Urinating much less often or not at all.
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Weakness or fainting.
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Pale or cool skin.
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Shallow, quick breathing, or shortness of breath.
How is this diagnosed?
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A physical exam.
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Your medical history.
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Tests, including:
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A check of your blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, and temperature.
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Blood tests.
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Chest X-ray.
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Electrocardiogram (ECG), which checks the electrical activity of your heart.
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Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to make images of your heart.
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Cardiac catheterization, which checks how well your heart is working.
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How is this treated?
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Medicines.
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Oxygen.
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IV fluids.
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Use of a machine to help you breathe.
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Use of a machine to help your heart pump or to allow your heart to rest.
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Surgery. Depending on the cause of your shock, this may include:
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Coronary artery bypass graft.
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Stent placement (percutaneous coronary intervention).
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Valve repair or replacement.
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Follow these instructions at home:
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You feel light-headed or dizzy.
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You feel nauseous or you vomit.
Get help right away if:
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You have chest pain.
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You pass out.
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You suddenly start to sweat, or your skin gets clammy.
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You have shortness of breath.
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You notice that your skin is pale.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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Shock is a life-threatening condition. It requires immediate medical care.
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Cardiogenic shock is a type of shock that happens when your heart fails to pump blood effectively throughout your body. The usual cause of this problem is a damaged or weakened heart.
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The goal of treatment is to get blood flowing through your body again. It may include medicines, oxygen, IV fluids, and the use of machines to help you breathe and to help your heart pump. Surgery may be needed.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
