Assessment and management of cardiogenic shock in the emergency department.

Cardiogenic shock remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction, severe valvular disease, and other causes of cardiomyopathy. Emergency physicians play a pivotal role in the initial management of these patients, as they are most often the point of first contact with the medical system. This review discusses the initial assessment and management of cardiogenic shock, emphasizing the importance and role of the emergency physician.