Cardiogenic Shock: Symptoms, causes, prevention
Cardiogenic shock symptoms causes and prevention
When the heart is unable to provide sufficient blood to the body’s essential organs, cardiogenic shock occurs. Blood pressure drops and organs may begin to fail as a consequence of the heart’s failure to pump adequate nutrients to the body. Cardiogenic shock is a rare occurrence, yet it is a significant medical emergency.
Previously, almost no one had survived the cardiogenic shock. With timely treatment, half of those who encounter cardiogenic shock today recover. This is owing to more effective therapies and earlier detection of symptoms.
Cardiogenic Shock Symptoms
- Bewilderment and uneasiness
- Quick yet weak heartbeat
- Urine output that is poor or non-existent
- Exhaustion
- Dizziness or fainting
- Coma if steps to counteract the shock are not implemented quickly enough
- Chest pain, if a heart attack had followed it
Causes
A lack of oxygen to your heart, generally caused by a heart attack, destroys its main pumping chamber in the majority of cases (left ventricle). The cardiac muscle can deteriorate and go into cardiogenic shock if oxygen-rich blood is not getting to that part of the heart.
Cardiogenic shock is caused by injury to your heart’s right ventricle, which delivers blood to your lungs to acquire oxygen. Cardiogenic shock can also be caused by the following factors:
- The cardiac muscle is inflamed (myocarditis)
- The valves of the heart are infected (endocarditis)
- A heart that has become weakened due to a variety of factors
- Overdosing on drugs or poisoning with chemicals that can impair your heart’s ability to pump blood.
Prevention
- Avoid smoking – Quitting smoking is the most effective strategy to lower your risk of a heart attack.
- Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) – Other health issues for heart attack and cardiogenic shocks, such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, are exacerbated by being obese. Hypertension and cholesterol levels can be improved by losing merely 10 pounds (4.5 kg).
- Cut Your Sugar consumption – This will aid in the avoidance of nutrient-poor calories and the maintenance of a healthy weight.
- Alcohol should be consumed in moderation – Consume alcohol in proportion if you wish to do so. That is up to one drink per day for females and up to two glasses per day for men for healthy people.
- Reduce your intake of cholesterol and saturated fat – Limiting certain fats, particularly saturated fat, can help you avoid cardiovascular disease. Trans fats should be avoided.
- Reduce the amount of salt you use – Excess salt (sodium) causes fluid retention in the body, which puts pressure on the heart. Sodium intake should be kept to fewer than 2,300 mg per day. Many packaged and processed foods include salt, so reading food labels is a smart idea.
- Workout on a regular basis – Physical activity can help decrease blood pressure and improve the condition of your blood vessels and heart in general. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of strong aerobic activity per week, or a mix of both. It is suggested that you do this work out over the course of a week. Workout at a higher intensity will bring even more medical benefits.
Risk factors
If you suffer a heart attack, you are more likely to get a cardiogenic shock – particularly when you are old and have
- A background heart attack or heart failure.
- Obstructions in your heart’s main arteries (coronary artery disease)
- Been diagnosed with diabetes or have hypertension
Bottom Line
A prompt approach can help avoid cardiogenic shock if you have a heart problem. Get emergency medical treatment if you suspect you’re experiencing a heart attack and cardiogenic shock symptoms. Specialists can help you avoid cardiogenic shock, but only if you seek medical care as soon as possible.