Cardiac arrhythmias in the critically ill

Abstract 

Arrhythmias are a common problem in the critically ill and they can have significant effects on patient outcome. They often require immediate and swift action and it is, therefore, essential that clinicians have a structured approach to the recognition and management of arrhythmias. Here, we provide a framework for the appropriate management of the more frequently encountered cardiac arrhythmias in critical care. We illustrate the different arrhythmias discussed with sample ECGs to aid in their recognition, and we include the algorithms from the Resuscitation Council Guidelines for reference.

Keywords: arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, congenital heart disease, ion channelopathies, prolonged QT supraventricular tachycardia, temporary cardiac pacing, ventricular tachycardia