Dr Ramji Mehrotra - What is Cardiogenic Shock

1. Dr Ramji Mehrotra - What is Cardiogenic Shock? Cardiogenic shock is a serious medical condition in which the heart cannot supply enough oxygen-rich blood to meet the requirements of the body. It is mostly caused by a severe heart attack or myocardial infarction, though everyone having a heart attack may not experience cardiogenic shock. According to Dr Ramji Mehrotra, India’s leading heart surgeon, cardiogenic shock is an emergency situation and requires immediate treatment in a hospital. Symptoms of cardiogenic shock include chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, discomfort in breathing, pain in the upper body or abdomen, very low blood pressure, weak pulse, etc. Cardiogenic shock is often caused by a severe heart attack that can damage the left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber and limit the supply of oxygen-rich blood. In a few cases, the right ventricle, which pumps blood to the lungs, may be damaged due to the cardiogenic shock. Some of the other conditions that can weaken the heart leading to cardiogenic shock include the following: Myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle

2. Endocarditis or infection of the valves Arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm Damage to the septum which divides the ventricles Chest injury, etc. Depending on the cause of the cardiogenic shock, treatment is provided by the doctors. Angioplasty and stent placement is done if the patient is having a heart attack. For a valve problem, heart valve repair or replacement is done. In cases of blocked coronary arteries, coronary artery bypass graft or open heart surgery may be performed. Dr Ramji Mehrotra says that to reduce the risk of cardiogenic shock, it is essential to maintain good heart health by adopting a heart healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, healthy food habits, stress management and non-consumption of tobacco products must be followed. It is also important to have periodic medical check-ups and contact a specialist immediately if any symptoms are observed.