The Critically Ill Cardiac Patient--Multisystem Dysfunction and Management

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Surgery Vol. 40; no. 4; pp. 316 - 317
• Main Author: Bourke, Michael E
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ottawa CMA Impact, Inc 01.08.1997; Canadian Medical Association
• Subjects: Heart disease
• ISSN: 0008-428X; 1488-2310

Sections on ventilator support and heart-lung interactions in heart failure and oxygen transport and utilization are excellent. The multisystem approach to the critically ill patient is apparent in the detailed chapters on regional circulation, renal function and neurologic disorders, which are tailored to the patient with heart failure. The frustration of abdominal crises in the critical care setting is made less intimidating. Recent developments in the understanding of septic shock and the nature of resultant myocardial depression is concisely presented. The pharmacology of cardiac support and management of common cardiac drug toxicities are not presented as recipe-type approaches but rather as an understanding of the "how and why" of these issues. Most clinical aspects of hematology and coagulation in cardiac patients are addressed, including a thorough description of platelet and endothelial function. Cardiorespiratory changes in normal pregnancy and most cardiac conditions that one can expect to see in the obstetrical patient are addressed, a chapter valuable to those with limited exposure to obstetrical care.