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How low cardiac output, elevated central venous pressure, and compensatory vasoconstriction shape treatment decisions in cardiogenic shock. (Part 2 in the Cardiogenic Shock series) Why This Article Is Necessary In Part 1 , we demonstrated how cardiogenic shock is frequently overlooked - particularly when blood pressure and early warning scores provide false reassurance. Many patients are already severely circulatory compromised long before hypotension develops. The goal of th

Why Early Cardiogenic Shock Is Often Missed Cardiogenic shock  is a life-threatening condition that is frequently recognized too late. One key reason is that patients do not always appear as we expect a patient in shock to appear. Blood pressure may be normal, vital signs only mildly abnormal — and the NEWS score  surprisingly low. This article explains why this makes cardiogenic shock particularly dangerous , and which clinical signs should outweigh numbers alone . Key Learn

Mental health problems are common in patients with atrial fibrillation. Around 30 to 40 percent experience anxiety, psychological distress, or depression. Unpredictable symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath, combined with stress and sleep problems, are key contributors. Mental health symptoms can worsen atrial fibrillation symptoms but can be effectively treated. Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in adults. While much attention is given

The shark-fin sign on ECG  is a rare but extremely high-risk electrocardiographic pattern seen in acute myocardial infarction. It is most commonly associated with left main coronary artery occlusion  or proximal LAD occlusion  and carries a very high risk of cardiogenic shock, malignant arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Because the ECG appears to show an extremely wide QRS complex , the pattern is frequently misinterpreted by automated ECG algorithms and clinicians , leading t

One of the very first questions people ask after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is simple and understandable: Is this dangerous? The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. Atrial fibrillation is usually not immediately life-threatening , but it can become dangerous over time  if it is not properly diagnosed and treated. The condition increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and premature death. The good news is that with modern treatment, most people with at

Acute occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) frequently causes transmural myocardial infarction without meeting classic STEMI criteria on the standard 12-lead ECG. This article explains why LCx infarctions are often misclassified as NSTEMI, illustrates a typical ECG pattern, and highlights key anatomical and electrophysiological principles that can prevent delayed revascularization. Prehospital ECG - standard leads Prehospital ECG - precordial leads Circumflex

An ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator)  is a life-saving heart device used to treat dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.Many people have heard the term ICD , but find it difficult to understand what it actually does , how it works , and what it’s like to live with an ICD . This article explains what an ICD is and is not , how it works in everyday life, and why some patients need one. ICD What Does ICD Mean? ICD  stands for Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator . In

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving cardiac device, yet it is often perceived as complex in everyday clinical practice—particularly when explaining its function to patients.  This article provides a clear, practical overview of how ICDs work, how they differ from pacemakers, and how they detect and treat ventricular arrhythmias using anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) and shock therapy. Written for healthcare professionals, the goal is to translate adv