The Immediate Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Response in Ischemic Cardiogenic Shock

The acute pathophysiological changes after myocardial ischemia complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) remain poorly defined, especially regarding compensatory mechanisms and myocardial mitochondrial function. We investigated immediate cardiovascular and mitochondrial effects in a porcine model of ischemic CS. CS was induced in 32 Danish Landrace pigs (60 kg) via repeated microembolization of the left coronary artery until a 30% reduction in cardiac output (CO) or mixed venous saturation. Monitoring included pulmonary artery and left ventricular pressure-volume catheters, with analysis of endomyocardial biopsies and arterial, mixed venous, and coronary sinus blood samples. CO deteriorated promptly due to decreased stroke volume. Contractility declined, and afterload increased, causing rapid ventriculo-arterial decoupling. Forward flow parameters were compromised prior to pressure-parameters. Diastolic function was impaired and mitochondrial damage was observed. CS rapidly impairs LV hemodynamic and mitochondrial function, highlighting the importance of monitoring forward flow and targeting mitochondrial function in treatment.