Summary

This article discusses the epidemiology of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and cardiogenic shock, and its association with the increasing use of reperfusion therapy, especially primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Specific topics include reperfusion therapy, cardiac assist devices, shock after resuscitated cardiac arrest, and the use of PCI in refractory in- or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.