Pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We describe the pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock (CS), from the main pathways to the inflammatory mechanisms and the proteomic features.

RECENT FINDINGS: Although the classical pathophysiological pathways underlying CS, namely reduced organ perfusion due to inadequate cardiac output and peripheral vasoconstriction, have been well-established for a long time, the role of macro-and micro-hemodynamics in the magnitude of the disease and its prognosis has been investigated extensively only over the last few years. Moreover, to complete the complex picture of CS pathophysiology, the study of cytokine cascade, inflammation, and proteomic analysis has been addressed recently.

SUMMARY: Understanding the pathophysiology of CS is important to treat it optimally.