What causes cardiogenic shock?

Cardiogenic shock occurs primarily due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, which is typically caused by issues related to the heart muscle or its electrical system. Irregular heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, can disrupt the heart's normal pumping action, leading to insufficient blood flow to meet the body's needs. Additionally, damage to the heart muscle, such as that resulting from a heart attack (myocardial infarction), compromises the heart's ability to function, also resulting in cardiogenic shock.

In this condition, despite adequate blood volume, the heart fails to adequately circulate blood, causing a significant drop in blood pressure and reduced perfusion to vital organs, which can lead to serious complications. Understanding the fundamental role of the heart's mechanics in this scenario clarifies why the correct option focuses on the irregularities and damage affecting the heart itself.