New cardiogenic shock response team formed to improve patient care

This month, UI Health Care launched a new cardiogenic shock code–a rapid-response plan that activates when a patient shows early signs of cardiogenic shock. The code is designed to streamline and standardize care for patients, similar to existing protocols such as “Code STEMI” and “Code Stroke.” 

Cardiogenic shock is considered a life-threatening, time-sensitive condition when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This condition often happens after a heart attack or heart failure. It causes low blood pressure, a weak pulse, and poor blood flow to the organs.

“For cardiogenic shock, every minute counts,” said Ernesto Ruiz Duque, MD, cardiologist and director of UI Health Care heart failure program. “By bringing together our full spectrum of cardiovascular care, we aim to respond faster than ever before. This new protocol could be the difference between life and death.” 

The launch of the cardiogenic shock code is possible due to extensive collaboration across UI Health Care departments–including emergency medicine, heart failure, interventional cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, ECMO, cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), and the cath lab.