In spite of advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock, and the introduction of potent vasoactive pharmacological agents in its management, prognosis continued to be dismal with hospital mortalities over 85%. It has been only through additional and aggressive interventions--including intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and surgical revascularization--that improved survival can be achieved. Today's management of cardiogenic shock requires an early and integrated approach including physiological monitoring, vasoactive drugs, IABC, coronary angiography and PTCA, with the expectation of improving prognosis.
