Heart failure is defined as the inability of the heart to provide sufficient output to meet the metabolic needs of the organs, and its prevalence in the general population is between 2% and 3%, rising to 20% in octogenarians.In Mali, in studies carried out in hospitals at the CHU du point G in 2004, heart failure was the leading reason for admission to the cardiology department, with a rate of 41.3%.decompensation of heart failure can progress to the acute phase, which can be complicated by a condition known as shock.There are 4 types of shock: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, anaphylactic and septic. In our study, we focused specifically on cardiogenic shock, which clinically presents with signs of tissue hypoperfusion associated with low cardiac output.It is associated with a morbi-mortality that varies according to its etiology, with a mortality rate of 40-70%, and its treatment relies on vasopressors of the vasoconstrictor and positive inotrope types. The aim of our study was to take stock of the practical use of these positive inotropes in cardiology departments in Mali (Bko).