Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock is a serious condition that happens when your heart can’t supply enough oxygen-rich blood to your body to meet its needs. It can be fatal when a lack of oxygen causes your organs to fail.

This condition is an emergency situation that requires immediate treatment in a hospital.

Cardiogenic shock is most often caused by a heart attack or heart failure.

What are the stages of cardiogenic shock?

Cardiogenic shock stages range from being at risk to being very ill. Stages are:

At risk (A): Heart disease, such as heart attack or heart failure, but no signs of shock.
Beginning (B): Low blood pressure or heart rate.
Classic (C): Need for medicine or devices to help get blood to organs.
Deteriorating (D): Not responding to medicine or devices and getting worse.
Extremis (E): Cardiac arrest that needs CPR, ventilator and defibrillator.

How common is cardiogenic shock?

An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 people per year in the United States get cardiogenic shock.

Cardiogenic shock is the top cause of death in people who have a heart attack.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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