Cardiogenic Shock Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Cardiogenic shock is a condition when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This condition is most often caused by a severe heart attack.
However, not everyone who has a heart attack will go into cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock is quite rare but can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Cardiogenic Shock Symptom
Common signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock include the following:
- Increased respiratory rate
- Severe shortness of breath
- Increase in heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
- Weak pulse
- Blood pressure drop
- Sweating
- Pale skin
- Cold hands or feet
- Less than normal urination or not at all
Because cardiogenic shock commonly occurs in people who are having a major heart attack, it is very important to also be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Some of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Heavy pressure or a squeezing feeling in the center of the chest, which lasts for more than a few minutes
- Pain that radiates to the back, one or both arms, the back of the body, or to the teeth and jaw
- Increasing episodes of chest pain
- Hard to breathe
- Sweating
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
Cardiogenic Shock Reason
In most cases, the lack of oxygen supply to the heart, which commonly occurs as a result of a heart attack, can cause damage to the left ventricle of the heart. Without oxygen-rich blood circulating in the heart, the heart muscle can weaken and cause cardiogenic shock.
Rarely, damage to the heart’s right ventricle, which supplies blood to the lungs for oxygen, can also cause cardiogenic shock. Some other causes of cardiogenic shock include:
- Inflammation of the heart muscle
- Infection of the heart valves
- Cardiac weakness due to various causes
- Drug overdose or poisoning with a substance that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood
If someone has a heart attack, the risk of developing cardiogenic shock can increase in:
- older age group
- those with a previous history of heart failure or heart attack
- those who have blockages in some of the main arteries of the heart
- those with diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure
- Woman
Diagnosis
Cardiogenic shock is generally diagnosed in emergency situations. The doctor will evaluate the presence of signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock through medical interviews and direct physical examination, along with certain supporting examinations.
Some of the types of checks that can be done include:
- Blood pressure measurement. Individuals experiencing shock generally have low blood pressure.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG). This examination evaluates the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes attached to the skin. If there is damage to the heart muscle, interference with the flow of electricity in the heart, or increased fluid around the heart, the conduction of electricity in the heart can be disrupted.
- Chest X-ray. This examination helps the doctor to evaluate the size and shape of the heart and blood vessels and can also find out if there is fluid in the lungs.
- Blood test. Blood tests may be done to check for signs of organ damage, infection, and heart attack.
Another test that can be done is arterial blood gas analysis, to assess various characteristics related to the condition of oxygen in the blood.
- Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to produce images of the heart that can help identify any damage from a heart attack
- Cardiac catheterization. This examination uses a liquid dye that is injected into the arteries through a catheter, usually in the legs.
The presence of dye can make the arteries visible on an X-ray, which can show areas of blockage or narrowing.
Cardiogenic Shock Treatment
Treatment of cardiogenic shock is aimed at minimizing damage to the heart muscle and other organs due to a lack of oxygen supply. Several types of treatment that can be done are:
- Handling emergency life support. Most individuals with cardiogenic shock require supplemental oxygen. If needed, a ventilator or breathing apparatus can be used. Medication and fluids can be given through venous access.
- Treatment. Fluids and medications for cardiogenic shock may be given to help improve the pumping ability of the heart.
Several types of drugs that can be given are certain classes of drugs to improve heart function, drugs to prevent blood clots from forming, drugs that help dissolve blood clots, as well as several other types of treatment.
- Medical procedures. Medical procedures performed in the treatment of cardiogenic shock are generally focused on restoring blood flow to the heart.
Some of the procedures that can be performed include angioplasty and placement of stents to overcome obstructions in the arteries, placement of balloon pumps, or mechanical circulatory support.
- Surgical procedure. If medication and medical procedures cannot treat cardiogenic shock, your doctor may suggest certain surgical procedures.
Prevention
The way to prevent cardiogenic shock is to make lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy and keep your blood pressure stable. Some ways to prevent this condition from happening are:
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. The risk of heart disease is lower in non-smokers.
- Maintain body weight to remain ideal. Being overweight can lead to various risk factors for heart attack and cardiogenic shock, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
- Limit your intake of foods that contain cholesterol and saturated fat. Limiting these types of food can reduce the risk of various heart diseases.
- Limit added sugar and alcohol. This will help maintain your ideal body weight.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise can lower blood pressure, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, and improve overall heart and blood vessel health.