Which of the following is an indication for Intra Aortic Balloon Pump?

• A. Cardiogenic shock (extreme bradycardia)
• B. Stable angina
• C. Myocardial infarction without complications
• D. No indication

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) therapy is used to support a failing heart in states of cardiogenic shock, by boosting coronary perfusion and decreasing the work of the heart. In cardiogenic shock, especially when there is very low output due to impaired pumping (which can accompany severe bradycardia), IABP can stabilize hemodynamics enough to bridge to definitive treatment or recovery. The balloon inflates during diastole to raise diastolic aortic pressure and coronary flow, then deflates just before systole to reduce afterload and myocardial oxygen demand, improving overall cardiac output.

This is why the option describing cardiogenic shock is the best choice. Stable angina and myocardial infarction without complications do not inherently involve insufficient cardiac output requiring mechanical circulatory support, so an IABP is not indicated in those scenarios. “No indication” is not correct because cardiogenic shock is a recognized indication for IABP, whereas the others are not.