The difference between cardiogenic shock and sudden cardiac death

Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
Updated on November 10, 2024
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Cardiogenic shock is caused by a decrease in cardiac contractile function, leading to reduced ejection, lowered blood pressure, and resulting in ischemia and hypoxia of tissue cells. It is due to the reduced contractile function of the heart, which may be caused by coronary issues such as coronary ischemia, or by severe arrhythmias such as severe ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, or by acute heart failure. Cardiogenic sudden death occurs when cardiogenic shock progresses further, leading to the cessation of the heartbeat. The main difference between cardiogenic sudden death and cardiogenic shock is that during cardiogenic sudden death, the heartbeat has definitely stopped completely, or there is only ventricular fibrillation, at which point it is called cardiogenic sudden death. During cardiogenic shock, the heart still retains some contractile function, meaning the heart still has some autonomous beating capability. Compared to cardiogenic sudden death, it is still an early, reversible stage of cardiogenic sudden death. Once it progresses to cardiogenic sudden death, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation is necessary, and at this point, the mortality rate greatly increases.

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Written by Chen Guang Yin
Cardiology
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Is sudden cardiac death related to eating a large number of eggs?

Sudden cardiac death is mostly due to coronary artery atherosclerotic heart disease, where the patient suffers from a large myocardial infarction. This is directly related to atherosclerosis, rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, formation of thrombosis, and obstruction of the coronary arteries. Therefore, the foundation of this disease is primarily hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis. Eating a lot of eggs is certainly not beneficial for arteriosclerosis and hyperlipidemia. We believe that there is definitely a connection, but it is not the only factor. For example, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, drinking, and other poor lifestyle habits are all related to heart disease. Thus, eating eggs is just one of the risk factors.

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Written by Chen Guang Yin
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The difference between sudden cardiac death and myocardial infarction

Sudden cardiac death and myocardial infarction are both types of coronary heart disease, but they are different from each other. Firstly, having a myocardial infarction does not necessarily result in sudden death. Myocardial damage involves a large area of necrosis in the heart, and the patient may experience symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sweating. The main symptom of sudden cardiac death is the abrupt cessation of vital signs, with breathing and pulse disappearing. This condition can be caused by a large and extensive acute myocardial infarction, but it can also be caused by other reasons such as electrolyte disturbances or malignant arrhythmias, which are different causes.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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The main cause of sudden cardiogenic cardiac arrest

70% of sudden cardiac deaths are caused by arrhythmias, often referred to as malignant arrhythmias, with the most common ones being ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. A small portion is caused by severe bradycardia. This condition is generally seen in patients with structural heart diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction, severe dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or patients in the late stages of valvular insufficiency or stenosis. It can also occur in patients with severe electrolyte disturbances, who are prone to malignant arrhythmias.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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What tests are needed to prevent sudden cardiac death?

To prevent cardiogenic sudden death, the following examinations are needed: First, echocardiography, which can preliminarily determine if there are any organic heart diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiomyopathy, or heart valve diseases. These heart conditions are significant causes of cardiogenic sudden death; Second, undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can determine if there is an acute myocardial infarction, another significant cause of cardiogenic sudden death. Additionally, a Holter monitor test should be conducted to observe any serious arrhythmias within a 24-hour period; Third, blood tests, such as tests for cardiac enzymes and troponin. If there is a significant increase in cardiac enzymes and troponin, it is important to be vigilant about the possibility of an acute myocardial infarction. Also, blood tests for electrolytes should be done to detect any severe electrolyte imbalances, which are also significant triggers for cardiogenic sudden death.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Does sudden cardiac death have a connection with overwork?

Sudden cardiac death is directly related to overexertion, particularly in individuals with coronary heart disease, congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, viral myocarditis, and heart rhythm disorders, especially those accompanied by heart failure. Excessive strain can increase the burden on the heart, exacerbate heart failure, lead to arrhythmias, and in severe cases, result in sudden death. Therefore, patients with structural heart disease must follow a doctor's guidance to routinely use effective medications for treatment, rest adequately, avoid overexertion, and maintain a low-fat, low-salt diet to minimize factors that increase cardiac load and prevent the occurrence of sudden death.