Index
Definition of Shock or Cardiogenic Shock.
When the heart does not pump with enough force, the blood does not flow well through the body. In severe cases, a poorly pumped heart can not supply enough oxygen and nutrients to the lungs, brain, kidneys, and other vital organs.
This is a condition called “shock” or “shock.” When a problem in the heart causes the shock, the situation is called shock or cardiogenic shock. This is a severe condition that occurs in up to 10 percent of people who have had a heart attack.
Causes
The most common cause is a heart attack, which can leave a large part of the heart unable to pump blood effectively, causing a decrease in blood pressure.
Other possible causes of cardiogenic shock are due to:
- The fluid that accumulates around the heart and the pressure in the heart.
- A tear in the heart muscle changes the way blood flows.
- A weak heart that becomes even weaker (cardiomyopathy).
Heart failure The heart is not able to pump blood efficiently. The fluid can leak into the lungs or accumulate too much in the veins. In severe cases, this can lead to cardiogenic shock.
It worsens problems with heart valves, mainly if aortic stenosis occurs (when the valve between the heart, the aorta, and the main artery, does not open completely).
Medications such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers or medicines toxic to the heart. An example would be the cancer drug doxorubicin.
- A tumor that grows in the heart (myxoma).
- Heart muscle infection (myocarditis).
A blood clot blocks the artery that carries blood from the heart to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
symptom
The main signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock are:
- Low blood pressure.
- Sweating
- Urinate less often than usual.
- Feeling nauseated (like you need to vomit).
- Fainting.
- Weakness.
- Pale skin.
- Cold hands or feet
- Shallow and rapid breathing.
- Confusion.
Diagnostico
It is done by measuring blood pressure and other “vital signs.” You are in shock when the blood pressure is too low (if the higher number in the reading is less than 90); Also, the measurements of your pulse (how fast the heart is beating) and your breathing rate are also significant.
It will be evaluated if it presents sweat, pale skin, or the appearance of a blue tint that is a sign of a possible shock. Blood tests can determine if you have had a heart attack. You will have an electrocardiogram (called an ECG or EKG) to look for signs of a heart attack.
A chest x-ray can see if the fluid has accumulated in your heart or lungs or if your heart is enlarged.
Treatment for Cardiogenic Shock
- The treatment is to make the blood flow again in your body, especially in the damaged part of the heart. The treatment will be carried out in the hospital or clinic’s emergency room and intensive care unit. It will include:
- Medicines.
- Surgery, to get the blood flowing again by creating new or improved blood vessels (revascularization).
- A procedure uses a small surgical balloon to open arteries and improve blood flow (angioplasty).
- Surgery to correct any problem with the structure of the heart.
- A heart transplant may be recommended, but this is done rarely.
Prediction
There are excellent treatments available for people with cardiogenic shock. However, this is a severe and life-threatening condition. Quick treatment in an emergency medical center is essential.
The factors that affect the chances of survival are:
How fast is the shock being treated?
How fast can the healthcare team restore the blood supply to your heart’s blood vessels (revascularization)?
- Your age.
- The problems of the past with your heart.
- Your general health
- Any other health condition you may have.
- Complications related
The problems that can result from having cardiogenic shock include:
- Infection.
- The repetitive surgeries.
- A long time of recovery.
- Long-term limitations on activities and exercise.
- Death.
