Hemodynamic profiles related to circulatory shock in cardiac care units.

One-third of the population in intensive care units is in a state of circulatory shock, whose rapid recognition and mechanism differentiation are of great importance. The clinical context and physical examination are of great value, but in complex situations as in cardiac care units, it is mandatory the use of advanced hemodynamic monitorization devices, both to determine the main mechanism of shock, as to decide management and guide response to treatment, these devices include pulmonary flotation catheter as the gold standard, as well as more recent techniques including echocardiography and pulmonary ultrasound, among others. This article emphasizes the different shock mechanisms observed in the cardiac care units, with a proposal for approach and treatment.