It can also be caused by a sudden decompressurization (e.g. in an aircraft), where air bubbles are released into the bloodstream (Henrys law), causing heart failure. Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram helps to establish the exact diagnosis and guides treatment, it may reveal:

Abnormal heart rhythms, such as bradycardia (slowed heart rate)
myocardial infarction (ST-elevation MI, STEMI, is usually more dangerous than non-STEMIs; MIs that affect the ventricles are usually more dangerous than those that affect the atria; those affecting the left side of the heart, especially the left ventricle, are usually more dangerous than those affecting the right side, unless that side is severely compromised)
Signs of cardiomyopathy

Echocardiography
Echocardiography may show poor ventricular function, signs of PED, rupture of the interventricular septum, an obstructed outflow tract or cardiomyopathy. Swan-Ganz catheter
The Swan–Ganz catheter or pulmonary artery catheter may assist in the diagnosis by providing information on the hemodynamics. Biopsy
When cardiomyopathy is suspected as the cause of cardiogenic shock, a biopsy of heart muscle may be needed to make a definite diagnosis. Cardiac index
If the cardiac index falls acutely below 2.2 L/min/m2, the person may be in cardiogenic shock. Treatment
Depending on the type of cardiogenic shock, treatment involves infusion of fluids, or in shock refractory to fluids, inotropic medications. In case of an abnormal heart rhythm immediate synchronized cardioversion or anti-arrhythmic agents may be administered, e.g. adenosine.Positive inotropic agents (such as dobutamine or milrinone), which enhance the hearts pumping capabilities, are used to improve the contractility and correct the low blood pressure.
Alimentary toxic aleukia is a mycotoxin-induced condition characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, leukopenia (aleukia), hemorrhaging, skin inflammation, and sometimes death. Alimentary toxic aleukia almost always refers to the human condition associated with presence of T-2 toxin. History
Alimentary toxic aleukia was first characterized in the early 20th century after affecting a large population in the Orenburg Oblast of the former USSR during World War II. The sick people had eaten overwintered grain colonized with Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium poae. == References ==