Cardiogenic shock is a medical emergency resulting from inadequate blood flow due to the dysfunction of the ventricles of the heart. Signs of inadequate blood flow include low urine production (<30 mL/hour), cool arms and legs, and altered level of consciousness. People may also have a severely low blood pressure and heart rate.

Causes of cardiogenic shock include cardiomyopathic, arrhythmic, and mechanical. Cardiogenic shock is most commonly precipitated by acute myocardial infarction. Cardiogenic shock is a type of circulatory shock, in which there is insufficient blood flow and oxygen supply for biological tissues to meet the metabolic demands for oxygen and nutrients. Cardiogenic shock is defined by sustained low blood pressure with tissue hypoperfusion despite adequate left ventricular filling pressure. People can have combined types of shock. Shock by definition is inadequate blood circulation to the rest of the body, which causes organ damage. Without adequate circulation, organs will not have enough oxygen delivery and cannot adequately maintain their cellular metabolism.

Treatment of cardiogenic shock depends on the cause with the initial goals to improve blood flow to the body. This can be done in a number of ways—fluid resuscitation, blood transfusions, vasopressors, and ionotropes. If cardiogenic shock is due to a heart attack, attempts to open the heart’s arteries may help. An intra-aortic balloon pump or left ventricular assist device may improve matters until this can be done. Medications that improve the heart’s ability to contract (positive inotropes) may help; however it is unclear which is best and at present there is no convincing evidence supporting inotropic or vasodilating therapy to reduce mortality in hemodynamically unstable patients. Cardiogenic shock is a condition that is difficult to fully reverse even with an early diagnosis. Care is directed to the dysfunctional organs (dialysis for the kidneys, mechanical ventilation for lungs dysfunction).

Mortality rates have been decreasing in the United States. This is likely due to the rapid identification and treatment of the cardiogenic shock. Some studies have suggested that this possibly related to the increased use of coronary reperfusion strategies, like heart stents. Nonetheless, the mortality rates remain high. Multi-organ failure is associated with higher rates of mortality.