Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is seriously weakened
and cannot pump enough blood to perfuse the body. This condition
can be brought on when approximately 40% of the left ventricle
is involved with an AMI.
Signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock are similar to those of
any other kind of shock. When you see shock in the absence of trauma,
consider cardiac causes. The signs of cardiogenic shock include:
Cardiogenic shock is due to the impaired ability
of the heart to pump. It can be caused by disorders
of the heart muscle, the valves or the heart's electrical
conduction system. Acute myocardial infarction is
the most common cause.
Dead myocardium does not contract, therefore, a
weakened heart cannot pump enough blood throughout
the body. There is an adequate blood volume but failure
to put the blood in circulation. Hypoxia results
due to inadequate perfusion.
