Cardiogenic shock
Cardiogenic shock is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This condition most often develops as a result of a severe heart attack
Cardiogenic shock is rare, but often fatal without prompt medical attention In case of immediate treatment, half of the patients survive
In most cases, the lack of oxygen to the heart muscle caused by a heart attack damages the main pumping cell, the left ventricle. Blood supply with insufficient oxygen content to the heart muscle leads to its weakening and the development of cardiogenic shock.
Rarely, cardiogenic shock is caused by damage to the right ventricle of the heart, which sends blood to the lungs to oxygenate the blood. Damage to the right ventricle prevents the heart from pumping blood to the lungs, causing oxygen-poor blood to circulate throughout the body.
Other causes of cardiogenic shock are: inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), infection of the heart valves (endocarditis), overdose of drugs or poisoning with substances that reduce the pumping function of the heart
Symptoms of cardiogenic shock:
- Rapid breathing
- Severe shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Loss of consciousness
- Weak pulse
- Sweating
- Skin Symptoms:
- Feeling of pressure, fullness, or pinching pain in the center of the throat that lasts for several minutes or more.
- Pain that radiates through the chest to the shoulder, arm, back, teeth, and jaw
- Frequent episodes of chest pain
- Persistent pain in the upper abdomen
- Bad breath
- Sweating
- Feeling of heart racing
When to see a doctor
Prompt treatment of a heart attack increases the chance of survival and minimizes damage to the heart. If you have symptoms of a heart attack, call 112 and ask for emergency medical help If you cannot reach the medical center, ask someone to take you to the nearest hospital Do not sit behind the wheel yourself
