Critical care teams work collaboratively to assess, diagnose, and treat patients in critical conditions, including hemodynamic stabilization, organ support when needed, and treating the underlying cause of the illness. Critical care patients require constant medical attention and monitoring due to life-threatening conditions or severe injuries.
CONDITIONS:
Sinus Tachycardia is a medical term for an abnormally fast heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. In critical care, healthcare teams address the underlying causes of tachycardia, provide treatments to restore a normal heart rate, and closely monitor the patient's condition. Monitoring heart rate and addressing the underlying causes are essential in these settings to prevent further complications and optimize patient outcomes. Managing tachycardia may involve administering medications to slow the heart rate, addressing the underlying cause, and closely monitoring the patient to prevent further complications like arrhythmias.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can increase the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other complications. In critical care, healthcare providers work to control the heart rate, restore normal rhythm when feasible, and administer treatments to prevent complications like blood clots. The treatment of AFib in this setting typically involves heart rate reducing agents, that allow the patient to convert to sinus rhythm. Close monitoring and specialized interventions are integral to managing atrial fibrillation effectively.
2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation