Cardiogenic Shock - Diagnosis - Diagnosis
Your doctor will check your medical history, perform a physical exam, and do tests and procedures to diagnose cardiogenic shock. Tests are usually done after you have been admitted to a hospital for a possible heart attack or symptoms of shock. If the reason for the shock is that the heart is not pumping strongly enough, then the diagnosis is cardiogenic shock.
Medical history
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Cardiogenic Shock - Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you or your family members about your medical history, especially any symptoms of a heart attack before you became ill. Your doctor will also want to know about any medicines you are taking.
Physical exam
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Cardiogenic Shock - Diagnosis
During a physical exam your doctor may:
- Check your hands and feet for cold temperature or swelling.
- Check your pulse. If your heart cannot pump strongly, your pulse may be weak and rapid. If cardiogenic shock was caused by doses of heart medicines that were too high, the heart rate may be normal or slow.
- Listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope for unusual sounds or heart rhythms.
- Measure how much you urinate to check how well your kidneys are working.
- Measure your blood pressure. Low blood pressure that does not return to normal on its own is a sign of cardiogenic shock.
Diagnostic tests and procedures
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Cardiogenic Shock - Diagnosis
Your doctor may order the following tests and procedures to diagnose cardiogenic shock.
- Blood gas tests to check the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the veins and arteries.
- Blood tests to check the function of the heart, liver, and kidneys and look for increased lactate levels.
- Cardiac CT scan to create a three-dimensional image of the heart to detect or evaluate heart disease or problems with heart function and its valves.
- Chest X-rays to examine the heart and lungs.
- Coronary angiography to look at the flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels.
- Echocardiography to assess blood flow in and out of the heart and look for heart problems.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) to identify abnormal heart rhythms and confirm whether a heart attack has occurred.
Reminders
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Cardiogenic Shock - Diagnosis
- Return to Risk Factors to review lifestyle and other factors that increase the risk of developing cardiogenic shock and its complications.
- Return to Screening and Prevention to learn about heart-healthy lifestyle habits that may reduce the risk for cardiogenic shock.
- Return to Signs, Symptoms, and Complications to review common signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock.