Cardiogenic Shock vs. Congestive Heart Failure

• Cardiogenic Shock


  A type of shock caused by the heart's inability to pump blood effectively
• Signs and Symptoms of Cardiogenic Shock


  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Feeling of "air hunger"
  • Pale, cool, clammy skin
  • Rapid, irregular, and weak pulse
  • Rapid and shallow breathing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Decreased body temperature
  • Low blood pressure
• Shock can be present even with normal blood pressure (compensated shock)
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)


  A condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and other organs
• Signs and Symptoms of CHF


  • Easier to breathe when sitting up
  • Agitation
  • Chest pain may or may not be present
  • Distended neck veins
  • Swollen ankles from dependent edema
  • High blood pressure, rapid heart rate, rapid respirations
  • Using accessory breathing muscles
  • Pale or cyanotic and sweaty skin
  • Crackles (rales) in the lungs
• CHF can be treated but not cured, and patients often become ill again and are frequently hospitalized
• Approximately one-half of CHF patients will die within 5 years of the onset of symptoms
• Treatment of Cardiogenic Shock


  1. Position the patient comfortably

  2. Administer oxygen

  3. Assist ventilations as necessary

  4. Cover the patient to preserve body heat

  5. Provide prompt transport to the ED
• Treatment of CHF


  1. Take vital signs

  2. Give oxygen by CPAP or mask/cannula

  3. Allow patient to remain sitting upright

  4. Be reassuring

  5. Gather patient's medications

  6. Administer nitroglycerin if systolic BP > 100 mmHg

  7. Provide prompt transport to the ED