What are the causes of heart failure during shock?

Oct 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of heart failure during shock include myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, infectious shock complicated by myocarditis, myocardial hypoperfusion due to hemorrhagic shock, direct myocardial injury in cardiogenic shock, and myocardial spasm induced by anaphylactic shock. If any discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. The specific analysis is as follows:

Under normal circumstances, the main causes of heart failure during shock include myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, septic shock complicated by myocarditis, hemorrhagic shock leading to myocardial hypoperfusion, intrinsic myocardial damage in cardiogenic shock, and myocardial spasm caused by anaphylactic shock. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Myocardial Ischemia and Hypoxia

During shock, systemic blood flow is redistributed, reducing coronary artery perfusion. This leads to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, resulting in decreased contractile function and subsequent heart failure. Immediate measures to improve myocardial blood supply include oxygen therapy to increase blood oxygen saturation, positioning the patient in the Trendelenburg position (slightly head-down) to enhance venous return, and rapid volume expansion to maintain coronary perfusion pressure.

2. Septic Shock Complicated by Myocarditis

In septic shock, pathogens and their toxins invade the myocardium, causing myocarditis that damages myocardial cell structure and weakens cardiac contractility. Under medical guidance, antibiotics such as sodium penicillin for injection, ceftriaxone sodium for injection, or levofloxacin for injection may be used to control infection. Concurrently, creatine phosphate sodium for injection can be administered to support myocardial nutrition and improve myocardial metabolism.

3. Hemorrhagic Shock Leading to Myocardial Hypoperfusion

Significant blood loss rapidly reduces blood volume, leading to inadequate myocardial perfusion and insufficient energy supply to myocardial cells, ultimately triggering heart failure. Prompt infusion of balanced salt solutions, whole blood, or plasma is essential to restore blood volume. If necessary, intravenous norepinephrine injection may be used to raise blood pressure and maintain myocardial perfusion. In cases of active bleeding, surgical intervention—such as repair of ruptured liver or spleen—is required to achieve hemostasis.

4. Myocardial Injury in Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock is commonly caused by acute myocardial infarction or severe cardiomyopathy, where the myocardium itself suffers significant damage, leading to reduced contractile function and consequent heart failure. Under medical supervision, nitroglycerin injection can be used to dilate coronary arteries, aspirin enteric-coated tablets to inhibit platelet aggregation, and urokinase for injection to dissolve thrombi. In severe cases, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be required to restore myocardial blood flow.

5. Myocardial Spasm Induced by Anaphylactic Shock

Substances released during allergic reactions, such as histamine, stimulate the myocardium, causing myocardial spasm and disturbances in systolic and diastolic function, which may precipitate heart failure. Immediate subcutaneous injection of epinephrine is necessary to counteract the allergic reaction. Under medical guidance, dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection can be used to reduce inflammation, and diphenhydramine injection for antihistaminic effects. Simultaneously, oxygen supplementation and volume resuscitation should be provided to maintain normal myocardial function.

In daily life, it is important to actively manage underlying conditions such as coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy; avoid known allergens to prevent anaphylactic shock; and seek prompt medical attention when early signs of shock—such as dizziness, palpitations, or low blood pressure—appear, to prevent progression to heart failure.

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