Cardiogenic shock in critical care is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This leads to severe hypotension and organ hypoperfusion, often caused by extensive myocardial damage like a heart attack. Rapid recognition and intervention are vital to prevent multi-organ failure and death.
Ultrasound, particularly echocardiography, is crucial in diagnosing and managing cardiogenic shock. It allows for quick assessment of cardiac function, ejection fraction, and identification of underlying causes like valvular dysfunction or tamponade. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) helps guide fluid management and inotrope therapy in critical care settings.
