Advanced cardiac life support: reviewing recommendations from the AHA guidelines

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. Awar MM, Walinsky P. Advanced cardiac life support: Reviewing recommendations from the AHA guidelines. Geriatrics 2003; 58(Nov):30-34. Key words: CPR * life support * resuscitation * cardiac arrest
There have been major advances worldwide in the pre- and in-hospital management of patients with sudden, unexpected cardiac arrest. The advent of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems with out-of-hospital defibrillation [...]