Common cardiovascular problems in the postoperative period.
In summary, it should be stated that there is a basic philosophic difference concerning the importance and the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias in postoperative patients when compared to patients with myocardial infarctions. In the latter group the etiology for the arrhythmia is assumed, and very frequently correctly. In the former group of patients, the postoperative group, the etiology of the arrhythmia is often covert and difficult to come by. In patients with myocardial infarction treatment frequently is stereotyped and the effect of therapy often predictable. In the postoperative patient with a cardiac arrhythmia, be it tachycardia or an irregular pulse, the treatment may be as varied as the cause. Thus the thrust of our endeavor in the postoperative patient should be directed primarily toward determining the cause of the arrhythmia and thereafter administering correct therapy based on a reasonable diagnosis.
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004071:Digitalis Glycosides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications; D006339:Heart Rate; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy
D004071:Digitalis Glycosides