A 65-year-old lady is sent to the hospital after waking up an hour earlier with rapid onset chest pain and shortness of breath. She has a considerable history of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg, the temperature is 36.7 C (98.1 F), the pulse is 110/min, and the rate of respiration is 20/min. The extremities feel damp and chilly. There is diaphoresis. ST-segment elevation is seen on the ECG in the lateral leads. Which of the following hemodynamic alterations in this patient is most likely present?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Acute left ventricular (LV) failure and cardiogenic shock can result from myocardial infarction. Hypotension and lower cardiac output are the results of decreased cardiac contractility. To maintain blood pressure in response, peripheral vasoconstriction causes an increase in systemic vascular resistance. The increased LV end-diastolic pressure caused by the LV systolic failure raises the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and the pulmonary arterial pressure.

A 65-Year-Old Lady Is Sent to the Hospital After Waking