The Science & Studies of Cardiogenic Shock

The Science & Studies of Cardiogenic Shock

American Journal of Cardiology 2017 study

Mortality After Onset of Shock

For more than 20 years, mortality in cardiogenic shock patients has stagnated at roughly 50%. Today roughly 100,000 Americans will suffer from cardiogenic shock following a heart attack. The National CSI is working to dramatically reduce mortality in cardiogenic shock when the heart is not able to pump enough blood to end-organs such as the kidneys and brain eventually starving them of oxygen and leading to patient death.

Early Support Leads to Higher Survival

After analyzing data from over 15 000 patients several key points appear to provide a path to improvement A recently published paper demonstrates that unloading the left ventricle (LVl) early after the onset of cardiogenic shock improves outcomes. This is a critical component of the National CSI protocol and all patients with appropriate anatomy at the collaborating hospitals have LV support prior to unblocking the arteries with PCI.

Fewer Inotropes Higher Survival Rates

Data shows that if we can reduce the number of inotropes used on a patient we can improve survival. However it is simply not enough to not give the drugs. Success in improving mortality will come from supporting the heart to ensure blood is pumped to the rest of the body and allowing the heart to rest and recover. By getting patients on LV support early we can reduce the use of inotropes In patients suffering from cardiogenic shock.