Killip Classification (AMI Heart Failure)
Classifies clinical severity of heart failure complicating acute MI. Predicts in-hospital mortality and guides ICU admission decisions.
Score interpretation
→ Standard ACS management; aspirin + P2Y12 + anticoagulation; primary PCI
→ Diuresis; optimise RAAS inhibitors; consider IABP monitoring; CCU admission
→ ICU; IV diuresis; non-invasive ventilation; primary PCI urgently; consider IABP
→ Cardiogenic shock; vasopressors (noradrenaline); IABP or MCS device; emergency PCI or CABG; ECMO in refractory cases
Interpretation bands for the Killip Class. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Acute Heart Failure · ESC 2021 Heart Failure Guidelines; NICE NG106
- NSTEMI / Unstable Angina · ESC 2020 NSTEMI Guidelines; NICE NG185
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines
Featured in these MRCEM clinical pathways
The Killip Class is covered in detail — with RCEM/NICE evidence base, indications and pitfalls — in the following exam-focused pathways on our sister siteReviseMRCEM.
MRCEM Primary / Intermediate / OSCE candidates: each pathway includes exam-style questions, RCEM/NICE citations, and FAQ summaries.
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.