Supraventricular tachycardia: implications for the intensivist.
The critical care physician must have a keen awareness of supraventricular tachycardia patterns, mechanisms, precipitants, and treatment. Although long-term management of most forms of supraventricular tachycardia lies primarily in the realm of the cardiac electrophysiologist, the intensivist must be proficient at acute arrhythmia therapy. Expertise in electrocardiography, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics is essential. Careful assessment of hemodynamics and prudent bedside clinical acumen help assure optimal patient outcomes.
Trohman
R G
RG
Division of Cardiovascular Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. rtrohman@rush.edu
D000241:Adenosine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000638:Amiodarone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D022062:Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac; D006801:Humans; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013611:Tachycardia, Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014700:Verapamil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014927:Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D013449:Sulfonamides; C067192:ibutilide; D014700:Verapamil; D000241:Adenosine; D000638:Amiodarone