The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is introducing a new cardiogenic shock designation to improve outcomes for one of the most life-threatening complications of heart attack. This new designation builds on the success of the existing ACC Chest Pain Center designation, which has helped hospitals standardize and improve care for patients presenting with heart attack symptoms, but previously did not address cardiogenic shock. Additionally, new grants supported by Johnson & Johnson will help rural hospitals implement the designation.
Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs and remains the leading cause of death in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Nearly 1 in 10 patients who experience an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (the most severe type of heart attack) has this disease, and approximately 27,000 people die in the United States each year. Mortality rates remain disproportionately high, in part because cardiogenic shock treatment lacks the standardized protocols, performance measurements, and community collaboration that have transformed heart attack treatment.
Although ACC Chest Pain Center accreditation has helped hospitals provide faster, more consistent, evidence-based care for heart attack patients, cardiogenic shock remains an unacceptable and deadly gap in our health care system. By introducing the cardiogenic shock-only designation and supporting local hospitals, we are creating a framework to bring structure, accountability, and data-driven improvements in cardiovascular care to some of our highest-risk patients, regardless of where they live, with the goal of saving lives and improving long-term outcomes. ”
Kathleen C. Gates, ACC Chief Executive Officer
Care for patients with cardiogenic shock varies widely between hospitals, as many hospitals lack clear pathways to recognize symptoms early, rapidly escalate treatment, and access advanced treatments such as temporary mechanical circulatory support. These gaps can lead to treatment delays and failure to transfer patients to other facilities, significantly worsening outcomes.
To address these disparities, especially in underserved areas, ACC is collaborating with Johnson & Johnson on a grant program to support rural hospitals implementing the new ACC Chest Pain Center Certification with Shock Designation. The program will provide funding for 1 year to 10 rural hospitals to cover accreditation costs and participation in the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry, which supports ongoing data measurement and quality improvement. This initiative aims to expand life-saving cardiogenic shock care to communities with limited access to advanced cardiac resources.
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American College of Cardiology
