About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiac Arrest Supportive Therapy
Introduction
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating, leading to an absence of blood circulation. Immediate intervention is crucial to increase the chances of survival. Supportive therapy refers to the ongoing management of the patient after the initial resuscitation efforts, ensuring stabilization and recovery.
Immediate Actions
- Recognition of Cardiac Arrest: Loss of consciousness, absence of pulse, and lack of normal breathing.
- Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): High-quality chest compressions and rescue breathing to maintain circulation and oxygenation.
- Defibrillation: If the patient has a shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia), early defibrillation is key.
Post-Resuscitation Supportive Therapy
1. Optimizing Oxygenation and Ventilation
- Maintain adequate airway and breathing using oxygen supplementation or mechanical ventilation.
- Avoid hyperoxia (excess oxygen), as it may lead to oxidative damage.
- Use capnography to monitor end-tidal CO₂, guiding ventilation efforts.
2. Hemodynamic Support
- Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and cardiac function.
- Use of intravenous fluids and vasopressors (such as norepinephrine) if needed to support blood pressure.
- Identifying and treating reversible causes (e.g., hypoxia, acidosis, electrolyte imbalances).
3. Targeted Temperature Management (TTM)
- Cooling the body to 32–36°C for 24 hours to reduce the risk of neurological damage.
- Preventing fever after cardiac arrest, as hyperthermia worsens outcomes.
4. Neurological Monitoring and Prognostication
- Regular neurological exams to assess brain function and potential recovery.
- Use of EEG (Electroencephalography) to detect seizures.
5. Multidisciplinary Post-ICU Care
- Cardiac rehabilitation program to aid functional recovery.
- Screening and management of cognitive and psychological sequelae such as depression and PTSD.
Conclusion
Survivors of cardiac arrest require comprehensive supportive therapy to minimize complications and improve long-term outcomes. A structured, multidisciplinary approach incorporating respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and rehabilitation strategies is essential for optimizing recovery.
Source recommendations
1. 2020 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-aha-guidelines-for-cpr-and-ecc
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000918
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081529/
- https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/147/Supplement%201/e2020038505E/73495/Part-5-Neonatal-Resuscitation-2020-American-Heart
2. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021
- https://cprguidelines.eu/guidelines-2021
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221000551
- https://cprguidelines.eu/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221000630
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773835/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.