Nanda Books

Cardiogenic shock is a physiologic state in which inadequate tissue perfusion results from cardiac dysfunction, most often systolic. The most common causes are serious heart complications. Many of these occur during or after a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Cardiogenic shock most commonly occurs as a complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI). It occurs in 7% of patients with ST-segment elevation MI and 3% with non ST-segment elevation MI. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate resuscitation.

Cardiogenic shock can result from the following types of cardiac dysfunction:

• Systolic dysfunction
• Diastolic dysfunction
• Valvular dysfunction
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Coronary artery disease
• Mechanical complications

Symptoms of Cardiogenic shock

• Chest pain or pressure
• Coma
• Decreased urination
• Fast breathing
• Fast pulse
• Heavy sweating, moist skin
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of alertness and ability to concentrate
• Restlessness, agitation, confusion
• Shortness of breath
• Skin that feels cool to the touch
• Pale skin color or blotchy skin
• Weak (thready) pulse

Prevention of Cardiogenic shock

Early coronary revascularisation in patients post-myocardial infarction (MI) and adequate treatment of patients with structural heart disease may help to prevent cardiogenic shock.
Better treatment of acute coronary syndrome seems to be reducing the rates of cardiogenic shock.

Reference :

http://www.patient.co.uk
http://emedicine.medscape.com
http://www.nlm.nih.gov