Cardiogenic Shock Treatment: Emergency Heart Support When It Is Needed Most

At Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, we understand how frightening it is when a patient’s heart can’t keep up. That’s why TMH provides advanced, life-saving care for cardiogenic shock, a serious condition that occurs when the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. With rapid diagnosis, expert care and innovative treatments like Impella heart pumps and ECMO, TMH is here for this serious emergency, when seconds matter most.

What is Cardiogenic Shock?

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition that happens when a patient’s heart suddenly becomes too weak to pump enough blood effectively. It is most often caused by a severe heart attack but can also result from heart failure, infection or complications after surgery.

When the heart cannot pump well, blood pressure drops, and the body’s organs—including the brain, kidneys and liver—do not get enough oxygen, leading to a dangerous chain reaction if not treated quickly.

Think of your heart as the body’s engine. In cardiogenic shock, that engine stalls, and the entire body begins to shut down.

What Are the Signs?

Signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock may include:

• Chest pain
• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
• Weak pulse or low blood pressure
• Cold hands and feet
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Fatigue or fainting, even after resting
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen

Without immediate treatment, it can quickly become fatal. But the sooner care begins, the better the chance for survival and recovery.

How We Treat Cardiogenic Shock

At TMH, our advanced heart care team moves quickly to stabilize patients with cardiogenic shock. Our team works together to support the heart, restoring blood flow and protect the organs while addressing the root cause of the problem and helping the patient heal.

Depending on the situation, treatment may include:

• Medications to raise blood pressure and improve heart function
• Emergency heart procedures like coronary angioplasty or stent placement to restore blood flow
• Mechanical heart support devices, such as:
  ◦ Impella, a tiny heart pump that helps the heart push blood through the body
  ◦ ECMO, a machine that temporarily takes over heart and lung function to allow the body to recover

Our specialized team in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) closely monitors each patient’s progress around the clock, making each decision with patient comfort, safety and recovery in mind

Who is at Risk?

Some people are more likely to experience cardiogenic shock, especially if they have:

• A history of heart attack or coronary artery disease
• Heart failure or cardiomyopathy
• Heart valve disease
• A recent heart procedure or surgery
• Certain infections or inflammation of the heart