Abstract
Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a syndrome of sustained tissue hypoperfusion caused by primary cardiac pump failure and remains associated with high short-term mortality despite improvements in reperfusion, intensive care, and acute mechanical circulatory support (aMCS). Modern defini-tions emphasize not only hypotension but also clinical and biochemical evidence of inadequate cellular oxygen utilization, frequently driven by macro–microcirculatory uncoupling. This review summarizes contemporary definitions and staging, core pathophysiology, bedside diagnosis and monitoring, pragmatic early hemodynamic targets, evidence-based management of AMI-related CS, and structured escalation from vasoactive drugs to aMCS. A practical focus is placed on the first 24 hours, when achieving adequate flow and tissue perfusion appears prognostically decisive.