Which statement about intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is true?

Which statement about intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is true?

• A. It increases afterload.
• B. It is used to treat tachyarrhythmias.
• C. It improves coronary perfusion and reduces afterload; used in cardiogenic shock or during high-risk PCI.
• D. It is a surgical valve replacement.

Answer: (C)

IABP works by counterpulsation: the balloon inflates during diastole to boost coronary blood flow and deflates just before systole to lower the aortic pressure the heart must overcome. This both improves coronary perfusion and reduces afterload, which helps the heart work more efficiently and can increase forward flow. It is commonly used in cardiogenic shock or during high‑risk PCI as a temporary support device. It is not used to treat tachyarrhythmias, nor is it a surgical valve replacement, and it does not increase afterload.

IABP works by counterpulsation: the balloon inflates during diastole to boost coronary blood flow and deflates just before systole to lower the aortic pressure the heart must overcome. This both improves coronary perfusion and reduces afterload, which helps the heart work more efficiently and can increase forward flow. It is commonly used in cardiogenic shock or during high‑risk PCI as a temporary support device. It is not used to treat tachyarrhythmias, nor is it a surgical valve replacement, and it does not increase afterload.