Cardiogenic shock usually is caused by heart problems. What causes other types of shock? Shock can occur when your body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood for any reason and may lead to tissue damage and organ failure. Cardiogenic shock is usually caused by poor pumping function of the heart.

What causes a cardiogenic shock?

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition in which your heart suddenly can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. The condition is most often caused by a severe heart attack, but not everyone who has a heart attack has cardiogenic shock.

What is happening in cardiogenic shock?

Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is unable to supply enough blood to the vital organs of the body. As a result of the failure of the heart to pump enough nutrients to the body, blood pressure falls and organs may begin to fail.