Septic & Cardiogenic Shock

Medical Emergency

The conditions of cardiogenic shock and septic shock are considered medical emergencies. The victim of shock may die if his condition is not recognized and treated. You may be faced with a situation where you must help someone during an emergency. It is vital to understand and recognize the symptoms of shock during such a crisis.

Shock

Shock is a Life-threatening Condition

Shock is defined by Medline Plus as "a severe condition that occurs when not enough blood flows through the body, causing very low blood pressure, a lack of urine, and cell and tissue damage." Shock is life-threatening because if blood pressure is too low, adequate amounts of blood cannot be pumped through the body.

Also, according to eMedicine Health, "tissues in the body don't receive enough oxygen and nutrients to allow the cells to function. This ultimately leads to cellular death, progressing to organ failure and finally, to whole body failure and death."

Septic shock and cardiogenic shock are two classifications of this life-threatening medical condition.

Cardiogenic Shock

Heart Damage and Cardiogenic Shock

Damage to the heart causes cardiogenic shock. The damage is often caused by myocardial infarction or heart attack; the heart attack may cause irregular heart rhythms, malfunction and ruptures to the heart muscle or heart wall. The damage reduces the capability of the heart to pump blood, resulting in cardiogenic shock.

Septic Shock

Infections and Septic Shock

Bacterial infections cause septic shock. "Fungi and (rarely) viruses may also cause the condition," according to Medline Plus. The bacteria and fungi produce toxins that harm human tissue and elicit an inflammatory response from the body. The inflammation may cause organ damage while the toxins may cause "low blood pressure and poor organ function."

Symptoms of Shock

Recognizing Signs of Shock

Symptoms of septic shock include:
Accelerated heart rate faster than 90 beats per minute
Accelerated breathing rate faster than 20 breaths per minute
Cool, pale skin, especially arms and legs
Decreased urine output
Low blood pressure and feeling lightheaded

Symptoms of cardiogenic shock include:
Ashen appearance
Excessive sweating
Accelerated heart rate and breathing rate
Cool skin
Weak pulse

First Aid for Shock

Providing First Aid

To provide basic first aid for shock:
Contact emergency medical services to provide advanced medical aid.
Keep the victim warm.
If the victim doesn't have an injury to spine, leg, head, or neck, place him on his back and elevate his feet about 12 inches from the ground with a prop or cushion.
Observe the victim closely and turn him on his side if he begins vomiting.
Monitor heart rate and breathing rate every five minutes.

References

• Medline Plus: Shock
• eMedicine: Cardiogenic Shock
• eMedicine: Septic Shock

Resources

• eMedicine Health: Shock, Causes, Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment