HARD DECISIONS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Intensivecareunitkapak

ARRHYTHMIAS

Duygu Karaköse Çalışkan

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department of Intensive Care, Ankara, Türkiye

Karaköse Çalışkan D. Arrhythmias. In: Turan S, editor. Hard Decisions in Intensive Care Unit. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.237-248.

ABSTRACT

Cardiac arrhythmias are prevalent and critical events in intensive care units (ICU), often resulting in significant hemodynamic disturbances among critically ill patients. This chapter explores the multifaceted etiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies for arrhythmias in ICU settings. It is important to note that arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and bradycardia, can be influenced by a number of factors, including ischemic, metabolic, and neurohumoral stressors, as well as underlying cardiac pathology. Effective diagnosis and treatment involve a systematic approach encompassing the correction of precipitating factors, vigilant monitoring, and the application of targeted therapeutic interventions. This chapter highlights the importance of tailored management protocols for rhythm control, rate control, and thromboprophylaxis to minimize morbidity and mortality. Additionally, it underscores the role of advanced diagnostic tools, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis, and therapeutic measures, including pharmacological agents and cardioversion techniques, in optimizing outcomes for ICU patients. If I may be so bold, I would like to suggest that a comprehensive understanding of arrhythmias in critically ill patients is essential for improving clinical outcomes and reducing associated healthcare burdens.

Keywords: Cardiac arrhythmias; Electrocardiogram; Cardioversion; Atrial fibrillation; Ventricular tachycardia

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