Understanding cardiogenic shock

Understanding hypovolaemic, cardiogenic and septic shock.

Shock is a complex physiological syndrome. If it is not detected and treated promptly, it can lead to death. This article reviews and summarises the latest findings, treatment and nursing and medical interventions for three of the most common forms of shock, namely, hypovolaemic, cardiogenic and septic shock.

Cardiogenic shock.

The syndrome of cardiogenic shock (CS) comprises a constellation of symptoms and signs that define a subset of patients with inadequate tissue perfusion secondary to myocardial dysfunction. Careful attention to and rapid identification of patients at risk for the development of CS and those with impending CS by both hospitalists and subspecialists will help to implement the time-sensitive thera...

Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock.

Cardiogenic shock is the most common cause of death in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction and is associated with a poor prognosis. More than 75% of cases are due to extensive left ventricular infarction and ventricular failure. Other causes include right ventricular infarction and papillary muscle rupture with acute severe mitral regurgitation. Activation of neurohormonal sy...

Cardiogenic Shock

The primary function of the cardiovascular system is to provide oxygen and energy substrates to the body's tissues. In all forms of shock, there is metabolic failure a downstream consequence of an inability to meet the metabolic demands of the tissue. In cardiogenic shock, the primary derangement leading to unmet tissue metabolic demands is cardiac dysfunction. Though cardiac impairment may be ...