Cardiovascular · UKMLA & AKT

Cardiogenic shock

A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise cardiogenic shock — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.

Key high-yield points

  • Heart fails to generate sufficient cardiac output to meet metabolic demands - 40-50% 30-day mortality
  • Haemodynamic signature: low CO, cardiac index <2.2 L/min/m², high SVR, high PCWP (>18 mmHg), SBP <90 mmHg persisting >30 minutes
  • Mechanism: reduced contractility → low CO → baroreceptor-mediated vasoconstriction (↑SVR) → worsens pump function (vicious cycle); back-pressure → pulmonary oedema

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Related UKMLA topics

Hypovolaemic shockDistributive shock (septic shock)Obstructive shockAnaphylactic shock