1. Advanced cardiac life support. Reviewing recommendations from the AHA guidelines.
- Author
-
Awar MM and Walinsky P
- Subjects
- Aged, Geriatrics methods, Geriatrics standards, Humans, Practice Patterns, Physicians' standards, Advanced Cardiac Life Support methods, Advanced Cardiac Life Support standards, American Heart Association, Heart Arrest therapy, Practice Guidelines as Topic standards
- Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in the older population, making older patients susceptible to complications, including cardiac arrest. Early intervention via cardiopulmonary resuscitation or another form of emergency cardiovascular care can reduce mortality in this population. In 2000, the American Heart Association, in conjunction with various international organizations, published guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care, which include a section on advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). By understanding these ACLS recommendations, primary care physicians will be better prepared to assist their older patients during a cardiac emergency. In the geriatric population, awareness of the patients' wishes regarding initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is important in deciding if it is appropriate to proceed with these measures.
- Published
- 2003