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Perfusion and rhythm

Cardiovascular

Hemodynamic goals, rhythm concerns, cardiac medications, and perioperative cardiovascular issues.

Attribution: SurgCritCare handbook
Updated: 5/29/2026

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Cardiovascular ICU Topics

At a Glance

Review rhythm issues, hemodynamic goals, cardiac medications, and perioperative cardiovascular concerns.

Rhythm reviewLink rhythm changes to perfusion, electrolytes, medications, ischemia, and procedural triggers.

Check potassium and magnesium.
Assess stability before treating the monitor.
Escalate ischemic patterns.

Cardiovascular ICU Topics

Hemodynamic goals, rhythm concerns, cardiac medications, and perioperative cardiovascular issues.

Antihypertensives in the ICUSevere acute hypertension in the ICU: end-organ consequences, antihypertensive mechanisms, and special considerations for TBI and post-cardiac surgery patients.Open page Cardiac Arrest — Initial StepsInitial steps in sudden cardiac arrest: early recognition, chest compressions before code team arrival, and adherence to ACLS guidelines.Open page Cardiac Arrhythmias in the ICUClassification, risk factors, and management principles for tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias in the surgical ICU, including heart block types and antiarrhythmic drug classes.Open page Cardiovascular Physiology — Systems OverviewCore cardiovascular physiology: stroke volume, preload, afterload, cardiac output, and the Frank-Starling relationship as it applies to critically ill surgical patients.Open page Heart Failure in the Surgical ICUAcute heart failure in the SICU: classification (reduced vs. preserved EF, left vs. right vs. biventricular), and treatment strategies for left and right heart failure and cardiogenic shock.Open page Arrhythmias in the ICU — Comprehensive ReviewComprehensive review of tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias in ICU patients, including risk factors, consequences, and management considerations.Open page

On This Page

Cardiovascular ICU Topics

Educational use only. Confirm clinical decisions with current institutional policy, source documents, and attending direction.