Cardiac
Cardiac diseases, also known as cardiovascular diseases, encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.
Cardiogenic shock
Cardiogenic shock is a critical and life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart suddenly becomes unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This leads to a significant drop in blood pressure and oxygen delivery to vital organs, causing them to begin shutting down. It most commonly occurs as a complication of a severe heart attack, especially when a large portion of the heart muscle is damaged. Other causes include advanced heart failure, severe arrhythmias, or complications of cardiac surgery. Patients with cardiogenic shock may experience rapid breathing, severe shortness of breath, cold and clammy skin, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and a marked drop in urine output. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to restore blood flow and prevent irreversible organ damage.
Treatment typically involves the use of medications to support blood pressure and heart function, such as inotropes and vasopressors, as well as oxygen therapy and fluid management. In more severe cases, mechanical support devices like intra-aortic balloon pumps, ventricular assist devices, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used. The underlying cause, such as a blocked coronary artery, may also require urgent procedures like angioplasty or surgery. Early recognition and rapid, intensive treatment are key to improving survival rates in cardiogenic shock.
Heart Failure
Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively to meet the body's needs. It can affect either the left or right side of the heart—or both—and may result from various underlying causes such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, previous heart attacks, cardiomyopathy, or valvular heart diseases. When the heart's pumping ability weakens, it causes blood and fluid to back up into the lungs and other parts of the body, leading to symptoms like breathlessness, persistent coughing or wheezing, swelling in the legs and abdomen, fatigue, and reduced ability to exercise. Heart failure can develop slowly over time or come on suddenly, particularly after a cardiac event or infection.
Diagnosis involves physical examination, imaging studies like echocardiography, blood tests, and ECGs to assess heart function. While heart failure is a serious condition, it can be managed effectively with a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical interventions. Common treatments include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, and in some cases, devices such as pacemakers or implantable defibrillators.
In end-stage heart failure, advanced therapies like heart transplantation or mechanical circulatory support may be considered. Patient education, dietary management (especially sodium restriction), regular follow-ups, and strict adherence to treatment plans are essential to improve quality of life and prevent hospitalizations.