Shock is circulatory failure with inadequate cellular oxygen utilization. Four potential pathophysiological mechanisms result in shock, including hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, and distributive factors. Cardiogenic shock (CS) decreases myocardial contractility and is the most common cause of death in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To differentiate the type and cause of shock, medical history, physical examination, and clinical investigations are important. Focused echocardiography offers advanced information for differentiation and should be performed as soon as possible in any shock patient.
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