Cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition. It happens when the heart suddenly can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It is most often caused by a large or severe heart attack. But not everyone who has a heart attack has cardiogenic shock.

Cardiogenic shock is rare. It's often deadly if not treated right away.

Cardiogenic shock symptoms include:

• Very fast breathing.
• Severe shortness of breath.
• Very fast heartbeat.
• Weak pulse.
• Low blood pressure.
• Sweating.
• Cold hands or feet.
• Urinating less than usual or not at all.
• Not being aware or alert to surroundings, also called loss of consciousness.

Symptoms of heart attack

Cardiogenic shock usually happens in people who have a severe heart attack. Symptoms of heart attack include:

• Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching.
• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly.
• Cold sweats.
• Fatigue.
• Heartburn, also called indigestion.
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Shortness of breath.

A heart attack usually causes chest pain that lasts more than 15 minutes. The chest pain may be mild or severe. Some people don't have any chest pain or pressure. Symptoms may be less obvious in some people, especially for women. For example, heart attack symptoms may include nausea or a brief or sharp pain felt in the neck, arm or back.

Call 911 or your local emergency number for anyone who has symptoms of heart attack or cardiogenic shock. Getting help right away may improve the chance of survival. It also may reduce damage to the heart.

If you can't call emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Don't drive yourself.

Cardiogenic shock is usually caused by too little oxygen in the lower left heart chamber. A heart attack usually causes the low oxygen level.

Rarely, damage to the lower right heart chamber can cause cardiogenic shock.

Other possible causes of cardiogenic shock are:

• Inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis.
• Infection of the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves, also called infective endocarditis.
• Weakened heart from any cause.
• Drug overdose.

A heart attack increases the risk of cardiogenic shock. Your risk goes up if you:

• Are older.
• Have a history of heart failure or heart attack.
• Have heart or blood vessel disease.
• Have diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Are female.

Possible complications of cardiogenic shock are:

• Death, if the condition is not treated right away.
• Liver, kidney or other organ damage due to a lack of oxygen.

To prevent cardiogenic shock, take steps to prevent heart attack. Try these lifestyle changes:

• Don't smoke. If you smoke, the best way to reduce your risk of heart attack and cardiogenic shock is to quit. Also stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk of heart disease. Ask your healthcare team what a healthy weight is for you.
• Eat healthy. Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit sugar, salt, and saturated and trans fats.
• Manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Ask your healthcare team how often you need health checkups.
• Limit or do not drink alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
• Exercise and stay active. Exercise can lower blood pressure. It also can improve the health of the blood vessels and heart. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes every day.
• Practice good sleep habits. Poor sleep may increase the risk of heart disease and other long-term health conditions. Adults should try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily.
• Manage stress. Find ways to help reduce emotional stress. Some tips are to get more exercise, practice mindfulness and connect with others in support groups.

If you have a heart attack, quick action can help prevent cardiogenic shock. Seek emergency medical help if you think you're having a heart attack.