Cardiac Emergencies

There are several types of cardiac emergencies where immediate action is required as with cardiac arrest or where action could be slightly delayed as with severe hypertension. It is important to be familiar with the basics of cardio pulmonary resuscitation and the use of inotropic and anti arrhythmic drugs. Acute coronary syndromes and aortic dissection are cardiac emergencies and are considered in the respective chapters. Acute pneumothorax also presents as an emergency and one should be familiar with its recognition and management.