Mechanism of Cardiogenic Shock

Abstract

The acute hemodynamic changes that result from coronary embolization were studied in the intact dog. Coronary embolization with lycopodium spore suspension resulted in an immediate and marked decrease in cardiac output, hypotension to shock level, elevation of pulmonary arterial and left atrial pressures, and marked increase in total peripheral resistance. These profound hemodynamic responses were partially blocked in dogs previously atropinized. The therapeutic implications of the results were discussed.