How Can Cardiogenic Shock Be Prevented?

The best way to prevent cardiogenic shock is to do as much as you can to lower your risk for heart disease and prevent a heart attack. (See the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's "Your Guide to a Healthy Heart.")

If you have a heart attack, you should get immediate treatment to try to prevent cardiogenic shock and other possible complications.

• Act in time. Know the warning signs of a heart attack so you can act fast to get treatment. Many heart attack victims wait 2 hours or more after their symptoms begin before they seek medical help. Delay in seeking treatment increases the chances of complications and death.
• If you think you're having a heart attack, or if you have angina (chest pain or discomfort) that doesn't go away as usual when you take your angina medicine as directed, call 9–1–1 for help. You can begin to receive life-saving treatment as soon as medical personnel arrive.