When a person’s heart is damaged to the extent that it cannot pump sufficient blood throughout the body, this condition is called cardiogenic shock. The damage may be caused by a disorder affecting the heart valves, the heart’s electrical system, or the heart muscle itself.
Symptoms of cardiogenic shock include:
- Confusion
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of urine production
- Pallor
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid pulse
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
When cardiogenic shock occurs, it is a medical emergency. The individual needs to be taken to a hospital immediately. Medical staff will attempt to save the patient’s life and diagnose the underlying cause of the cardiogenic shock.
Even when the person with cardiogenic shock is taken to hospital immediately, the odds of survival aren’t great. Only 20 percent of people who go into cardiogenic shock survive. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your local emergency number immediately.
