Cardiogenic shock is shock caused by

• A. Inadequate function of the heart, or pump failure
• B. Inadequate volume due to blood loss
• C. Severe allergic reaction
• D. Disruption of vascular tone

Answer: (A)

Cardiogenic shock arises when the heart cannot pump effectively, so cardiac output falls despite having enough blood in the circulation. This pump failure leads to poor organ perfusion and often signs of congestion, like pulmonary edema, because pressures build up behind the failing ventricle. It’s different from hypovolemic shock, where there isn’t enough circulating volume from blood loss, and from distributive shock, where the problem is loss of vascular tone and widespread vasodilation. So the description “inadequate function of the heart, or pump failure” best captures the essence of cardiogenic shock. In practice, treatment focuses on supporting the heart’s pumping ability (inotropes, revascularization if MI), while carefully managing fluids and addressing the underlying cause.