Cardiogenic Shock
Overview
Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a sudden, life-threatening condition occurring when your heart has suffered so much damage, such as from a heart attack, that it can no longer supply enough oxygen-rich blood to your brain and other vital organs. As a result, your blood pressure may suddenly drop to dangerous levels, and if CS isn’t diagnosed and treated quickly, it’s often fatal. Although CS is rare and cases are decreasing due to improved treatment options like innovative interventional procedures, approximately 40,000 to 50,000 cases still occur yearly in the U.S.1 That’s why it's crucial for you to learn more about CS, including its symptoms, so that you can get the emergency medical treatment you’ll need if you suspect you may be in CS.