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Key Points
- Cardiogenic shock is a state in which a weakened
heart isn't able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It is a medical
emergency and is fatal if not treated right away.
- The medical term "shock" refers to a state in
which not enough blood and oxygen reach important organs in the body, such as
the brain and kidneys.
- The most common cause of cardiogenic shock is
damage to the heart muscle from a severe
heart
attack. However, less than 10 percent of people who have a heart attack
develop cardiogenic shock.
- Common signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock
include:
- Confusion or lack of alertness
- Loss of consciousness
- A sudden, rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Pale skin
- Weak pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Decreased or no urine output
- Cool hands and feet
- If you or someone with you is having these signs
and symptoms, call 911 right away for emergency treatment. Prompt
treatment can help prevent or limit lasting damage to the heart and other
organs and can prevent sudden death.
- Blood pressure tests,
EKG
(electrocardiogram),
chest x ray,
echocardiography,
coronary
angiography, and blood tests are used to diagnose cardiogenic shock.
- Treatment for cardiogenic shock starts with
emergency life support to keep the patient alive. Once doctors know that a
person is in cardiogenic shock, they can use medicines, medical devices, and
different types of surgery to treat the underlying causes of the shock.
- 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.")
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Prevention Links
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