In this episode, recorded live at CCCF 2024, we sit down with Dr. Emilie Belley-Côté, a cardiac intensivist, researcher, and clinical trialist from McMaster University, to unpack cardiogenic shock: the SCAI classification.

Whether you're in the ED, cath lab, or ICU, the SCAI (Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions) stages offer a common language to describe the severity of cardiogenic shock, guide escalation of care, and improve outcomes through structured assessment.

Dr. Belley-Côté walks us through:

• The five SCAI stages (A through E): what they mean and how they’re used.

• How this classification system improves communication between specialties.

• The importance of recognizing patients in pre-shock (Stage B) before they deteriorate.

• Real-world application: how SCAI staging intersects with clinical signs, biomarkers, and hemodynamic monitoring.

• Where the SCAI classification fits in research, including trials evaluating mechanical circulatory support and advanced heart failure therapies.

With Dr. Belley-Côté’s clear explanations and insights from the front lines of cardiac critical care, this episode is essential listening for anyone managing unstable cardiac patients.