Cardiogenic Shock - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
Signs and symptom of cardiogenic shock vary depending on how quickly and how low your blood pressure drops. Cardiogenic shock may start with mild symptoms, such as feeling confused or breathing rapidly, or a person may have no symptoms and then suddenly lose consciousness. Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening emergency. Complications may include organ damage or organ failure.
Signs and symptoms
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Cardiogenic Shock - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
The most common signs of cardiogenic shock are:
- Low blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy, confused and nauseous
- Weak or irregular pulse
Other signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock may include:
- Breathing problems, including rapid breathing and severe shortness of breath
- Bulging of large veins in the neck
- Clammy skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Loss of consciousness
- Swelling of feet
- Urinating much less than usual or not at all
Any of these alone is not likely to be a sign or symptom of cardiogenic shock.
If you or someone else is having these signs and symptoms, call 9-1-1 right away for emergency treatment. Prompt medical care can save your life and prevent or limit organ damage.
Many symptoms of cardiogenic shock develop because the heart does not deliver enough blood to the body’s tissues and organs.
As blood pressure drops during cardiogenic shock, the body tries to compensate by limiting blood flow to the extremities—the hands and feet—causing them to cool down. As blood flow to the brain drops, the person may become confused or lose consciousness. The kidneys may shut down, producing less urine. Reduced blood flow in the lungs may lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, making it hard to breathe.
Complications
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Cardiogenic Shock - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications
In severe cardiogenic shock, the body’s organs do not get enough oxygen-rich blood. This can cause temporary or permanent damage to the vital organs of your body.
- Brain injury
- Kidney failure
- Liver damage