Cardiogenic Shock Program

What Is Cardiogenic Shock?

Cardiogenic shock is a potentially lethal cardiac emergency that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body, vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and brain may not receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly.

A heart attack is one of the most common causes of cardiogenic shock, but it can also occur in people living with heart failure or other conditions that weaken the heart.

Although cardiogenic shock is a serious life threatening  cardiac diagnosis,  specialized treatment can make a significant difference. Tampa General Hospital has achieved survival rates exceeding 80% for patients treated through our Cardiogenic Shock Program whereas the national average has been 50%

Red flags for developing shock include:

Cardiogenic shock can develop suddenly or gradually as heart function worsens.

  • Development of intolerance to chronic Heart Failure medications
  • Development of kidney dysfunction
  • Development of elevated liver enzymes
  • Frequent shocks from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

Because cardiogenic shock can worsen rapidly, early recognition and prompt medical attention are critical.

The Tampa General Edge:

When cardiogenic shock occurs, every minute matters.

Effective treatment requires more than emergency care. It requires a coordinated team of specialists, advanced technology, and continuous monitoring to support patients through every stage of treatment and recovery.

Tampa General Hospital has developed one of the nation's leading cardiogenic shock programs. Together, our experts from multiple specialties provide highly coordinated care for patients experiencing this life-threatening condition to provide 24/7 specialized care.

Our goal is to support heart recovery whenever possible and help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

The team focuses on:

  • Rapid diagnosis & identifying when the heart is struggling
  • Immediate, collaborative decision-making
  • Using advanced heart-support technology when needed to help the heart recover 
  • Reducing the need for medications that can put extra stress on the heart
  • Advanced treatment options available close to home
  • Comprehensive follow-up care after hospitalization
  • A team approach focused on recovery and quality of life

The multidisciplinary specialists may include:

  • Advanced heart failure specialists
  • Interventional cardiologists
  • Cardiac surgeons
  • Critical care physicians
  • Cardiovascular imaging specialists
  • Specialized nurses and coordinators
  • Vascular surgeons

For patients and families, this means compassionate, coordinated care from experts experienced in treating some of the most complex heart conditions.

One team. One plan. Around-the-clock expertise.

Why Physicians, Hospitals, and communities trust Tampa General Hospital for Heart Failure Care

Patients benefit from:

  • Deep expertise and extensive experience, with more than 700 patients treated since the program began
  • Participation in the nationally recognized Cardiogenic Shock Working Group, a global academic collaborative focused on advancing cardiogenic shock care
  • Outcomes that exceed national averages and reported Cardiogenic Shock Working Group outcomes
  • Access to advanced heart failure therapies close to home at Tampa General Hospital
  • Cardiogenic Shock Survivor Clinic providing meticulous, ongoing follow-up after hospitalization

Tampa General Hospital is ranked No. 1 in Tampa Bay for Heart & Vascular Care by U.S. News & World Report for 2026–27 and has been named one of the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals for Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery by Newsweek.

For patients and families, this means advanced, specialized and coordinated care from a team experienced in treating the most critically ill cardiovascular patients. 

 

Advanced Heart Support Options 

For some patients, medications alone may not provide enough support while the heart recovers.

In these situations, specialized technologies may be used to temporarily help the heart circulate blood throughout the body while physicians treat the underlying cause of cardiogenic shock.

These advanced therapies may be used to support and rest the heart allowing for native cardiac recovery. The most common family of devices used in this situation are the impella family of devices

In addition, these temporary mechanical support devices can be used to:

  • Stabilize patients during procedures
  • Stabilize cardiac function for cardiac and mon cardiac surgeries
  • Improve blood flow to vital organs
  • Provide time for the care team to determine the best long-term treatment approach

Additional modalities that can be used include:

And other investigational devices if the need arises. Because every patient is different, treatment plans are personalized to provide the best opportunity for heart recovery and, whenever possible, help patients return home with their own heart intact and functioning.

Recovery Beyond the Hospital

Recovery from cardiogenic shock does not end when a patient leaves the intensive care unit. Survivors require ongoing medical care, monitoring and support as they regain strength and recover heart function.The Tampa General Cardiogenic Shock Survivor Clinic provides specialized follow-up care designed to help patients navigate recovery and stay connected with the care team that treated them during their hospitalization.

Follow-up care includes:

  • Monitoring heart function
  • Medication adjustments
  • Heart failure management
  • Rehabilitation support
  • Education for patients and caregivers
  • Coordination with other specialists when needed

This continued support helps patients recover safely while improving long-term quality of life.

Improving Outcomes through Clinical Trials and Research 

As Florida's premier academic health system™, Tampa General Hospital is committed to advancing the treatment of cardiogenic shock through research, innovation and clinical collaboration. Our physicians participate in national research programs focused on improving care for patients with cardiogenic shock, advanced heart failure, and heart-support therapies.This commitment to innovation helps ensure patients have access to leading-edge treatments and the latest advances in cardiovascular care.

Our program supports innovation through:

  • Participation in national cardiogenic shock collaborations
  • Ongoing clinical research
  • Advanced heart support therapies
  • Evaluation of emerging treatment approaches and technologies

By combining research, experience and compassionate patient care, Tampa General continues to help improve outcomes for patients facing this critical condition.

To learn about Clinical Trials available, click here.

Recovery is Possible

Cardiogenic shock is one of the most serious cardiovascular emergencies, but survival and recovery are possible with timely treatment and specialized care.

Many patients who arrive critically ill can improve with treatment and regain heart function, returning home to a meaningful quality of life with ongoing follow-up care.

Our goal is to maximize native cardiac recovery whenever possible, leveraging every appropriate therapy and intervention to restore heart function before advanced therapies are considered. For patients who require durable support when the heart does not recover sufficiently some patients may be evaluated for additional treatment options including:

Supportive & Comfort-Focused Care 

When a patient is found to not be a candidate for advanced therapies, the care team will work closely with patients and families to provide compassionate care focused on comfort, quality of life, and support. Click here to learn more

At Tampa General Hospital, our commitment extends beyond stabilization. Our focus is helping patients recover, heal and move forward with confidence.