CathLab Shock (CardShock-based) Score: Explanation and clinical context
The calculator above implements the CardShock risk score items (age, altered mental status/confusion at presentation, prior MI or CABG, ACS aetiology, LVEF <40%, arterial lactate category, and eGFR category) using the original CardShock thresholds and point allocations. The CardShock score was developed in a prospective multicentre cohort to predict short-term/in-hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock across aetiologies; it yields a 0–9 point scale where higher values indicate progressively worse prognosis. Clinically, this tool is intended to assist early risk stratification at the time of shock detection and to inform triage, escalation of mechanical circulatory support or intensive monitoring decisions; it is not a substitute for bedside clinical judgement. Users should apply the score in the context of local case-mix and therapies (external validations show variable absolute mortality but consistent stepwise risk discrimination).
Reference:
Harjola V-P, Lassus J, Sionis A, et al. Clinical picture and risk prediction of short-term mortality in cardiogenic shock (the CardShock study). European Journal of Heart Failure. 2015;17(5):501–509. (CardShock score derivation and point system).
For a concise ESC/teaching summary of the score and point cutoffs see ESC acute care / educational materials summarizing CardShock (point allocations: age>75:1; confusion:1; prior MI/CABG:1; ACS:1; LVEF<40%:1; lactate: <2=0, 2–4=1, >4=2; eGFR: >60=0, 30–60=1, <30=2).