Cardiogenic shock is a medical emergency that happens when the heart suddenly becomes too weak to pump enough blood to keep the body alive. It usually occurs after a severe heart attack that damages a large portion of the heart muscle. Because the heart can’t pump properly, oxygen and nutrients can’t reach important organs like the brain, kidneys, and liver, causing them to start shutting down. The symptoms can come on suddenly and are often very frightening. A person may start breathing rapidly