41^st World Cardiology Conference

Emergency and Acute Cardiac Care

Emergency and Acute Cardiac Care is a critical area of cardiology focused on the rapid diagnosis, stabilization, and treatment of patients experiencing sudden and life-threatening cardiovascular events. Timely intervention in these situations often makes the difference between survival and death, making this field an essential component of healthcare systems worldwide.The most common conditions requiring emergency cardiac care include acute coronary syndromes (ACS) such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), sudden cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, acute heart failure, hypertensive emergencies, pulmonary embolism, and aortic dissection. These conditions often present with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, syncope (fainting), or severe hypotension, necessitating immediate medical evaluation.One of the cornerstones of emergency cardiac care is the rapid triage and diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Electrocardiography (ECG) and blood tests for cardiac biomarkers such as troponins are essential tools used in the emergency department to confirm a heart attack. For patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), guidelines recommend primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes of first medical contact. In settings where PCI is not immediately available, fibrinolytic therapy may be administered. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols are followed in cases of cardiac arrest. High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation for shockable rhythms, and the use of medications such as epinephrine are key components of resuscitation.