Cardiogenic shock is a condition of end-organ hypo perfusion due to heart failure, in which the cardiovascular system fails to provide adequate blood flow to the extremities and vital organs. In general, patients with cardiogenic shock have persistent hypotension (systolic blood pressure <80–90 mmHg or mean arterial pressure 30 mm Hg below baseline) and significantly reduced cardiac index (less than 1.8 L/min per m2). Presence of adequate or high inflation pressure (left ventricular [LV] end-diastolic pressure >18 mm Hg or right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic pressure >10-15 mm Hg). Cardiogenic shock is a life-limiting condition that occurs suddenly when the heart can no longer pump enough blood to keep up with the body's demands. Without oxygen, cells cannot function and die. This can lead to organ failure and be fatal. Cardiogenic shock is a serious condition that occurs when the heart cannot supply the body with enough oxygenated blood to meet its needs. Lack of oxygen and the failure of organs can be fatal. Cardiogenic shock is most often caused by a heart attack or heart failure. An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 people in the United States experience cardiogenic shock each year. Cardiogenic shock is the leading cause of death in people suffering from heart attacks. A severe heart attack can damage the heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). When this happens, your body can't get enough oxygen-rich blood. In rare cases of cardiogenic shock, the heart's right lower ventricle (right ventricle) is damaged. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs where it picks up oxygen and goes to the rest of the body. Your health care provider will want to know your medical history, including any symptoms that day or recently. These signs of cardiogenic shock may be found during physical examination. Weak pulse, cold, sticky skin, low blood pressure, arrhythmias, and heart murmurs heard with a stethoscope. Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency treatment. The most important part of treatment is to improve blood and oxygen flow to major organs to prevent damage. Sometimes this can be achieved with medication. In more serious cases, you may need assistive devices to help your heart. After immediate emergency treatment, further treatment depends on the cause of cardiogenic shock. Because heart attacks usually cause cardiogenic shock, prompt treatment of heart attacks is the best way to prevent cardiogenic shock. Talk to your doctor to find out your risk of heart disease and take steps to improve your heart health. If you have coronary artery disease, it is important to see your doctor as recommended and follow all steps in your treatment plan (medications, lifestyle changes, etc.). The life-threatening impact of cardiogenic shock depends on how quickly people are treated. The shorter the shock, the better. Less time in shock means less damage to vital organs. The risk of death from cardiogenic shock increases with the number of organs not getting enough blood. Survival from cardiogenic shock has improved over time, but 50% to 75% of people do not survive. With or without treatment, this condition can be fatal.