Alternative Names
Shock – cardiogenic
Definition of Cardiogenic shock
Cardiogenic shock is a state in which the heart has been damaged so much that it is unable to supply enough blood to the organs of the body.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Shock occurs whenever the heart is unable to pump as much blood as the body needs.
Signs and tests
An examination will reveal:
Treatment
Cardiogenic shock is a medical emergency. Treatment requires hospitalization, usually in the Intensive Care Unit. The goal of treatment is to identify and treat the cause of shock in order to save your life.
Expectations (prognosis)
In the past, the death rate from cardiogenic shock ranged 80 – 90%. In more recent studies, this rate has decreased to 50 – 75%.
Review
Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 5/14/2010
