Cardiogenic shock belongs to the most severe and immediately life-threatening complications of the acutemyocardial infarction. Despite development of modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods the incidence and mortality of cardiogenic shock has not significantly declined in the past decades. Early reperfusion strategy with percutaneous revascularization has become a cornerstone of therapy. The complex approach to cardiogenic shock comprises pharmacological and mechanical hemodynamic support, ventilatory support utilizing new ventilator regimens, metabolic and renal support/replacement with continuous renal replacement therapies and psychological, eventually psychopharmacological support. All these measures enable prevention of the multiple organ failure syndrome development and positively influence high mortality of patients suffering from cardiogenic shock.

        Key words: cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction, reperfusion therapy.