IL6 and Shock: IL-6 higher in patients with AHF [11.2 (6.1–26.4) ng/L] vs. other causes of dyspnoea [9.0 (3.2–32.3) ng/L, p < 0.001]; IL-6 highest levels in cardiogenic shock [25.7 (14.0–164.2) ng/L] and lowest in patients with hypertensive HF [9.3 (4.8–21.6) ng/L]