Cardiovascular Emergencies Part 1

Cardiovascular Emergencies – Part 1
10 Video Lectures to Build Your Foundation in Acute Cardiac Care

This first half of the 20‑lecture series walks you step-by-step through the most common—and most time‑sensitive—cardiovascular crises you’ll face. Each module combines bedside diagnostics, and hands‑on management algorithms so you can move from recognition to intervention with confidence.

1. Unstable Angina
   Learn to distinguish plaque instability and partial thrombus formation, recognize crescendo angina and subtle ECG changes, and initiate anti‑ischemic and antithrombotic therapies before infarction occurs.

2. Acute Myocardial Infarction (STEMI & NSTEMI)
   Master the ECG criteria for STEMI versus NSTEMI, integrate troponin kinetics and risk scores, and execute “door‑to‑balloon” or “door‑to‑needle” reperfusion strategies including PCI and fibrinolysis.

3. Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (Pulmonary Edema)
   Rapidly identify cardiogenic pulmonary edema with exam, ultrasound, and CXR, then stabilize with non‑invasive ventilation, IV diuretics, vasodilators, and inotropic support.

4. Hypertensive Emergency
   Differentiate true end‑organ injury from urgency, titrate IV antihypertensives to achieve safe first‑hour goals, and monitor for overcorrection while coordinating critical‑care or surgical consultations.

5. Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response
   Confirm A‑fib on ECG, calculate ventricular rate, choose and titrate AV‑nodal blockers, decide on urgent cardioversion, and initiate stroke‑prevention with CHA₂DS₂‑VASc–guided anticoagulation.

6. Supraventricular Tachycardia (Paroxysmal SVT)
   Spot PSVT’s abrupt narrow‑complex rhythm, perform vagal maneuvers, administer IV adenosine or second‑line agents, and prepare for synchronized cardioversion when needed.

7. Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
   Differentiate monomorphic from polymorphic VT (including Torsades), assess hemodynamic stability, follow ACLS‑guided defibrillation or antiarrhythmic protocols, and correct reversible causes.

8. Bradyarrhythmias (High‑Grade AV Block)
   Recognize Mobitz II and third‑degree block, assess perfusion, choose between atropine and transcutaneous pacing, and coordinate transvenous lead placement with cardiology.

9. Cardiac Tamponade
   Identify Beck’s triad and echo findings of pericardial tamponade, perform landmark‑guided pericardiocentesis safely, and stabilize hemodynamics pending surgical or cath‑lab drainage.

10. Aortic Dissection
    Detect the classic tearing pain and pulse‑pressure asymmetry, confirm with CT‑angiography or TEE, initiate IV beta‑blockade plus vasodilators, and arrange emergent surgical versus endovascular repair.

By completing Part 1, you’ll have built a solid framework for rapid recognition, point‑of‑care diagnostics, and initial life‑saving interventions—laying the groundwork to tackle the remaining, equally critical emergencies in Part 2.