#198 Occult Cardiogenic Shock Explained | The Shock You’re Missing at the Bedside

WhiteBoard Medicine - Emergency And Critical Care · Jan 4, 2026 · 17m

Occult cardiogenic shock is one of the most commonly missed shock states in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care. These patients may appear “stable” — with near-normal blood pressure — yet have severe cardiac dysfunction, low cardiac output, and poor tissue perfusion. In this episode, we break down: 🔹 What occult cardiogenic shock actually is 🔹 Why blood pressure alone is misleading 🔹 The underlying physiology of low cardiac output shock 🔹 How to recognize occult cardiogenic shock at the bedside 🔹 The role of bedside ultrasound, lactate, ScvO₂, and clinical clues 🔹 Practical management…