Cardiogenic Shock

The Killip Classification is frequently used during acute myocardial infarction. First published in 1967, this system focuses on physical examination and the development of heart failure to predict risk, as described below.

Shock is defined as hypotension that is severe and results in end-organ hypoperfusion.

A V wave in the jugular venous pulse represents venous filling of the right atrium when the tricuspid valve is closed.

Rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) refers to the use of PCI when fibrinolytic therapy fails.

The left main coronary artery arises from the left coronary cusp and bifurcates into the left anterior descending (LAD) and the left circumflex coronary arteries.

Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is not able to pump enough blood to generate adequate cardiac output to maintain normal blood pressure.

Asystole occurs when no electrical activity of the heart is seen. This may be a fatal arrhythmia when it occurs related to a severe underlying illness (septic shock, cardiogenic shock, post-PEA arrest).