What is cardiogenic shock? Cardiology Basics

What is cardiogenic shock? Cardiology Basics When the heart is not able to pump enough blood for perfusing the vital organs and the blood pressure falls, it is known as cardiogenic shock. Most important cause of cardiogenic shock is an acute myocardial infarction. Cardiogenic shock can also occur in other conditions like a fulminant myocarditis. In case of myocardial infarction, it is more likely to occur in those who are older, having multivessel coronary artery disease, and in those with a previous myocardial infarction. Cardiogenic shock is a potentially life threatening condition and needs urgent treatment. Even with treatment about half of those with cardiogenic shock might succumb. Those with cardiogenic shock may have severe breathlessness, rapid thready pulse, hypotension, undue sweating, and cold clammy extremities. Altered sensorium and even loss of consciousness may occur due to severe cerebral hypoperfusion. Oliguria is another important manifestation of vital organ hypoperfusion. Infusion of inotropes are usually given to enhance the blood pressure as an emergency measure. Devices like an intra-aortic balloon pump and percutaneous left ventricular assist device may be useful to some extent. Intra-aortic balloon pump uses intermittent inflation of a balloon attached to a catheter placed in the descending aorta, above the renal arteries and beyond the left subclavian artery. The balloon is inflated in diastole using the inert gas helium. It reduces left ventricular...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs