Depending on the type of<unk> , treatment involves infusion of fluids, or in<unk>  refractory to fluids, inotropic medications. In case of an abnormal heart rhythm immediate synchronized cardioversion or anti-arrhythmic agents may be administered, e.g. adenosine. Positive inotropic agents (such as dobutamine or milrinone), which enhance the heart's pumping capabilities, are used to improve the contractility and correct the low blood pressure. Should that not suffice an intra-aortic balloon pump (which reduces workload for the heart, and improves perfusion of the coronary arteries) or a left ventricular assist device (which augments the pump-function of the heart) can be considered. Mechanical ventilation or ECMO may be used to help stabilize people with severe or refractory<unk>  until they can be given some type of definitive treatment, such as a ventricular assist device. Finally, as a last resort, if the person is stable enough and otherwise qualifies, heart transplantation, or if not eligible an artificial heart, can be placed. These invasive measures are important tools—more than 50% of patients who do not die immediately due to cardiac arrest from a lethal abnormal heart rhythm and live to reach the hospital (who have usually suffered a severe acute myocardial infarction, which in itself still has a relatively high mortality rate), die within the first 24 hours. The mortality rate for those still living at time of admission who suffer complications (among others, cardiac arrest or further abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, cardiac tamponade, a ruptured or dissecting aneurysm, or another heart attack) from<unk>  is even worse around 85%, especially without drastic measures such as ventricular assist devices or transplantation.<unk>  may be treated with intravenous dobutamine, which acts on β1 receptors of the heart leading to increased contractility and heart rate.
Cardiogenic shock
Septic shock
Cryptic shock
Neurogenic shock
Obstructive shock
Spinal shock
Hypovolemic shock
Distributive shock