Mechanisms and management of cardiogenic shock.

Cardiogenic shock remains the most dreaded complication of acute myocardial infarction. Mortality rates remain high despite modern interventional therapy. Patients with a variety of other cardiovascular entities may also develop cardiogenic shock. Management consists of rapid stabilization of systemic arterial blood pressure, expeditious diagnostic evaluation, and definitive therapy when possible. New therapeutic modalities will be needed if patients with cardiogenic shock are to survive.