Cardiovascular System: Heart Failure, Cardiogenic Shock, Cardiomyopathy

Around 2% of adults have heart failure, and the prevalence increases with advancing ages. This may manifest chronically but also acutely. Cardiogenic shock is the most extreme manifestation of acute heart failure, manifesting as the rapid development of life-threatening tissue hypoperfusion and organ dysfunction. The causes and management of these heart failure syndromes are considered in this set of mini reviews with a focus on management of the precipitating etiology, specifically coronary artery disease. The importance of risk stratification and risk-based management strategies in pulmonary embolism as a cause of acute right ventricular failure is discussed. Mechanical support of the failing heart is possible with intra-aortic balloon pumps and ventricular assist devices. These can be used in acutely or chronically and their indications are reviewed herein. Finally, advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation are considered. This review contains 3 figures, 3 tables, and 57 references. Key Words: cardiovascular system, cardiac tamponade, cardiogenic shock, cardiomyopathy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, circulatory support, heart failure, mechanical pulmonary embolism