What is the most common cause of cardiogenic shock?

Cardiogenic shock is a condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs, leading to a decrease in tissue perfusion and the risk of organ failure. The most prevalent cause of cardiogenic shock is a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.

During a myocardial infarction, the blood supply to a portion of the heart muscle is obstructed, often due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. This blockage compromises the heart's ability to contract effectively, resulting in decreased cardiac output. If the left ventricle's pumping ability is significantly impaired, it can lead to cardiogenic shock, characterized by hypotension, tachycardia, and signs of tissue hypoperfusion, including altered mental status and cool, clammy skin.

Understanding the other options provides important context. Severe dehydration generally leads to hypovolemic shock rather than cardiogenic shock, as it primarily affects blood volume rather than heart function. Pneumothorax can cause complications such as impaired lung function but does not directly impair the heart's pumping ability. Septic infection can result in distributive shock due to widespread vasodilation and is not a direct cause of cardiogenic shock, although it may exacerbate existing cardiac dysfunction.