Cardiogenic shock is associated with a high mortality. The microbiome is a double-edged sword which can convey protective and detrimental cardiovascular effects. The significance of the enteral micobiome on cardiovascular mortality of patients with cardiogenic shock is still not known.

This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the role of the enteral microbiome and microbiome dependent metabolites in mortality and disease progression of patients with cardiogenic shock.

Inclusion Criteria:

• >18y

• signs of cardiogenic shock regardless of etiology

  • lactate >3mmol/L
  • and signs of organ dysfunction (urine output <30 ml/h, cold extremities, altered mental status)
  • and systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg for >30 minutes or need for vasopressor therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy/lactation period
• antibiotic treatment within >24h
• chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• short bowel syndrome
• artificial bowel outlet
• persistent diarrhea or vomiting in the past 3 months
• simultaneous participation in another interfering nutrition study
• active chemo or radiation therapy

Patients older than 18 years presenting to the clinic with cardiogenic shock will be included into the study within a 24 hours timeframe after onset