Early Mechanical Circulatory Support for Cardiogenic Shock

Reversal of cardiogenic shock depends on its early recognition and prompt initiation of therapy. Recognition of the clinical and hemodynamic deterioration that precedes cardiogenic shock is a crucial step in its early detection. Treatment of pre-cardiogenic shock is chiefly pharmacologic with intravenous administration of pressor, inotropic, and loop diuretic agents. Failure to reverse the preshock state with pharmacotherapy entails progression to cardiogenic shock and the need for prompt mechanical circulatory support with membrane oxygenation and possibly left ventricular decompression.