Medical Problems: Cardiogenic Shock

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of cardiogenic shock. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that to become as familiar as possible with it.

Cardiogenic shock refers to a specific type of shock that results from an intrinsic issue of the heart (image source).
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Cardiogenic shock refers to a specific type of systemic hypo perfusion that results from an intrinsic defect of the heart (i.e. the heart is not able pump blood effectively because of some type of cardiac pathology).

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

 

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for cardiogenic shock can be organized in a few different ways:

  • Can’t miss diagnosis
  • Organ systen
  • Disease category
  • Diagnostic modality
  • Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of cardiogenic shock have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with cardiogenic shock. 

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Intrepreting clinical data
TREATMENT

The treatment of cardiogenic shock may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:

  • Overview of treatments 

 

Page Updated: 02.26.2018