Shock in myocardial infarction—Medical treatment

Abstract The alterations that occur after acute myocardial infarction complicated by shock are reviewed with reference to corrective therapy. Variability of hemodynamic responses among patients who present with apparently the same clinical condition is now recognized. Therapy is intended to restore the critically depressed arterial pressure, thus increasing blood flow to the acutely ischemic myocardium. The indications for and hazards of alpha and beta adrenergic stimulating agents, fluid administration, inotropic drugs and hyperbaric oxygenation are reviewed, and a specific plan of therapy is detailed.