Sudden cardiac death is preceded in most cases by significant chest pain, which is severe, with tearing and excruciating pain in the precordial area, profuse sweating, and an expression of anguish, and sudden cardiac arrest. Defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are the most effective ways to resolve sudden cardiac death due to cardiogenic shock. If the patient has typical chest pain, such as squeezing, cramping, or tearing pain in the precordial area, which does not improve with nitroglycerin, then sudden cardiac death and cardiogenic shock should be considered, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation should be given promptly.