Cardiogenic Shock: Symptoms and Treatment

Cardiogenic shock is a severe, and potentially fatal, complication of several disorders that restrict the heart’s capability to pump sufficient blood to support the body’s demands. When the body’s organs, such as the liver, kidney and brain, do not receive adequate oxygenated-blood, they can fail and may stop functioning. This can adversely impact other metabolic functions and further intensify the severity of shock. For example, if the liver is not functioning correctly it will not produce clotting factors. This can cause severe bleeding and worsen the patient’s condition.

The symptoms of cardiogenic shock include chest pressure or pain, excessive sweating, fluid accumulation in the lungs, rapid breathing, anxiety, confusion, cool extremities, clammy and mottled skin.

The most common risk factor of cardiogenic shock is serious heart complications that occur during or after a severe myocardial infarction. The same lifestyle changes that help prevent myocardial infarctions will also protect individuals from developing cardiogenic shock. Positive lifestyle changes include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and maintaining normal blood pressure and weight. Treating diabetes and eliminating tobacco use significantly reduces the risk of myocardial infarction.

Other risk factors include inflammation of the myocardium or the valves, drug overdoses and ingesting toxic substances that impair the heart’s ability to pump. A previous history of myocardial infarction, heart failure or coronary artery disease increases the likelihood that a myocardial infarction will trigger cardiogenic shock.

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate and targeted therapy to correct the underlying cause. With proper medical treatment, the survival rate is 25% to 50%. If left untreated, the prognosis is poor.

San Antonio cardiologists use blood pressure readings, chest x-rays, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms and coronary catheterizations to make a conclusive diagnosis. The treatment regimen focuses on repairing the damaged myocardium and the oxygen-deprived organs. Medications, such as blood-thinning agents and epinephrine, are used to improve blood flow and increase the heart’s pumping ability.

Angioplasty and stenting can restore blood flow. If medications are unsuccessful, cardiologists will recommend surgery to bypass blocked vessels or to repair a damaged valve or chamber. Heart pumps are used to extend and improve the quality of life for patients awaiting transplants and for those who aren’t candidates for transplants. The treatment of last resort for a severely damaged heart is a transplant.

Early and aggressive treatment of coronary artery disease can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about cardiologists in San Antonio, visit http://www.lifescript.com/doctor-directory/index.aspx.