Myocardial infarction is often followed by which complication?

• A. Hypovolemic shock
• B. Cardiogenic shock
• C. Septic shock
• D. Anaphylactic shock

Answer: (B)

Cardiogenic shock from pump failure is the most common serious complication after a myocardial infarction. When a large portion of the heart muscle is damaged, the left ventricle loses its ability to contract effectively. This drops stroke volume and overall cardiac output, so tissues and organs don’t receive enough blood. The resulting low perfusion combined with rising pressures inside the heart and lungs leads to hypotension, cool and clammy skin, rapid heart rate, and often pulmonary congestion. This scenario is characteristic of cardiogenic shock and carries a high risk if not rapidly addressed.

Other shock types—like those caused by severe blood loss, infection, or allergic reactions—arise from different mechanisms (volume loss, systemic vasodilation, or hypersensitivity) and aren’t the typical immediate complication of a myocardial infarction.