Cardiogenic shock

Question 1

Define cardiogenic shock.

Answer 1

A clinical condition of inadequate tissue perfusion due
to the inability of the heart to pump an adequate amount of blood.

Question 2

Name 2 conditions that can cause cardiogenic shock.

Answer 2

ACS, arrythmias, acute decompensated heart failure, acute mitral incompetence, cardiac wall rupture.

Question 3

What are the clinical signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock?

Answer 3

Tachycardia, hypotension, delayed cap refill, tachypnoea, reduced sats and GCS, pallor, oliguria.

Question 4

What are the two best observations to identify cardiogenic shock?

Answer 4

Blood pressure (systolic of under 90mmHg) and GCS (lower than 15 not including PMH).

Question 5

Explain the compensatory systems that help with cardiogenic shock.

Answer 5

The sympathetic nervous system can improve coronary perfusion, while RAAS can lead to fluid reabsorption and systemic vasoconstriction.