The Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Shock
Cardiac shock is the term that is used to describe the inability of the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. When this occurs, the body’s various organs and tissues do not receive the blood or the nutrition that they require to carry out their functions. As a result, these tissues start to die. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiac problems is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Some of the data published by the CDC include risk factors for heart problems, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes places people at an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
- Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop high blood pressure, leading to heart disease.
- Individuals who eat a diet high in fatty and greasy foods are more likely to suffer heart problems.
- Those who are not physically active do not keep their heart in shape, increasing the likelihood of cardiac problems.
- Excessive alcohol intake can lead to severe cardiac distress both acutely and over the long-term.
Cardiac shock can also develop after a traumatic accident. Because cardiac shock is a medical emergency, everyone needs to understand the signs and symptoms of this life-threatening condition.
The Mechanism of Cardiac Shock
Often, medical professionals will describe cardiac shock as heart failure that develops acutely instead of gradually. Suddenly, the pumping action of the heart is impaired, and blood is not flowing to the body’s organs. Some of the reasons why an individual might develop cardiac shock include:
- Suffering a massive heart attack that blocks one of the coronary arteries such as those caused by a coronary artery dissection.
- A fluid that builds up around the heart following a blunt or penetrating chest injury, preventing it from pumping.
- A sudden cardiac arrhythmia that throws off the rhythm of the heart that develops following a blow to the chest in an auto accident.
- A blockage at the exits of the heart, such as the aorta or the pulmonary artery.
This can lead to death in a matter of minutes, depending on the severity of the shock.
Signs and Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of cardiac shock include:
- Having to breathe more quickly
- The inability to catch one’s breath
- A rapidly rising heart rate, called tachycardia
- Loss of consciousness
- Pulses that are difficult to feel which often called “thready”
- A drop in blood pressure called hypotension
- Cold and pale skin
- Excessive sweating
The treatment of cardiac shock centers around identifying the cause of the condition. This could involve emergency medications, an EKG, and even an ultrasound scan of the heart. Then, emergency treatment is used to correct the problem. The prognosis will depend on the exact cause of cardiac shock.
Watch YouTube Video: Do You Know the Warning Signs of Heart Disease? In the following video, Dr. Edward Palank with Lee Health Matters discusses the warning signs and risks of heart disease.
Contacting a Personal Injury Law Firm
Individuals who have been diagnosed with a cardiac emergency need to seek medical care immediately. Minutes can make the difference between life and death. After the emergency has been stabilized, families should reach out to a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Some of the ways that a trained and experienced injury attorney can provide assistance include:
- Negotiating with banks and businesses to make sure that bills are paid and benefits are awarded.
- Serving as an objective and calming presence to help families make the proper decisions.
- Shifting a case to trial when this is required.
Families need to know that they do not have to face this tough situation alone. A personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can provide assistance. Your family could be owed a significant financial sum.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. Cardiac shock is a medical emergency that can rapidly result in heart failure and death. If you or a loved one has suffered a cardiac surgery after a major accident, call me as quickly as possible at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am honored to be a lawyer in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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