Cardiac Critical care

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION  Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia characterized by: Irregularly irregular rhythm(One exception to these criteria is that if AF is combined with heart block, then the ventricular response may be regular.) No distinct P waves(If it is unclear whether there are P waves or fibrillation waves, consider obtaining a Lewis Lead ECG) Fibrillatory […]

Septic Cardiomyopathy (Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction, SIMD)  Septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) is an acute, reversible myocardial dysfunction occurring during sepsis or septic shock(20–60% of septic shock patients), characterized by: Reduced myocardial contractility Ventricular dilatation Impaired response to fluid and catecholamines Usually recovers within 7–10 days in survivors SCM occurs without acute coronary artery occlusion and is caused

NON ST ELEVATION ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME (NSTE-ACS)  Definition NSTE-ACS includes: NSTEMI (Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) → myocardial necrosis + ↑ troponin Unstable Angina (UA) → ischemia(ECG CHANGES) without necrosis (normal troponin)  PATHOPHYSIOLOGY  Plaque rupture/erosion → platelet activation → thrombus formation Partial or intermittent occlusion (NOT complete like STEMI) Leads to subendocardial ischemia Feature NSTE-ACS STEMI