Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock occurs when your heart suddenly can't pump enough blood to your body, creating an oxygen-deficient state. The condition is most often triggered by a severe heart attack. But it can also develop because of a viral infection, an abnormal heart rhythm, a blood clot blocking an artery in the lungs, or progression of preexisting congestive heart failure.

Cardiogenic shock can be fatal if not treated immediately. But even in severe cases, about half the people who develop cardiogenic shock can survive if treated promptly with modern therapies. Once a patient is stabilized, doctors may recommend medications, surgery or other methods to treat the condition that led to cardiogenic shock.

UCSF is an international leader in cardiac care, offering conventional as well as experimental state-of-the-art therapies for all types and stages of heart disease. With a team that includes experts in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, heart failure, heart transplant surgery and other related specialties, we're able to provide the rapid, comprehensive treatment that patients in cardiogenic shock need.