Cardiology

Heart rate

Heart rate is the number of beats the heart is taking per minute. While the normal is from 60 to 100 beats per minute, numbers outside this range do not necessarily indicate the need for new treatments.

Central lines

For sick patients, it is important to have access to a large vein because of the types and amount of medications given to patients in the ICU. Large veins are found in the neck, shoulder and groin. They are better able to handle the injection of certain drugs on an ongoing basis, compared to the veins in the arms or legs. Ultrasound equipment is used to locate a large vein, and a sterile technique is then used to insert the central line into the correct spot.

During the insertion of the central line, there may be some pain. So, the patient is given a local pain killer to minimize feeling in the area. After the line is in place, there should be no pain related to it. Due to the risk of complications or infection, the team will look into any complaints of pain.

Many patients in the ICU require frequent monitoring of their blood pressure. The best way to have an accurate and constant measurement of blood pressure is to insert a small line directly into an artery. The arterial lines providing blood-pressure measurements may also be used to collect blood for regular testing. This approach helps to avoid puncturing the patient many times during the day.

What are blood pressure medications, or vasopressors?

Vasopressors are a group of medications that are used to artificially maintain the patient’s blood pressure within a normal range. They are usually given intravenously, or through an IV needle.

There are two types of vasopressors:

• Medications that increase the tone of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction);
• Medications that increase the ability of the heart to contract (to pump the blood into the vessels of the body).

Patients who need vasopressors are usually suffering from a severe medical condition – like a life-threatening infection or a major heart problem – that prevents their blood vessels or their heart from functioning normally. Vasopressors are a form of life support. That means they provide support while the body is recovering from a severe medical condition. Vasopressors are gradually decreased before being stopped completely when a patient has improved.

Like any other medications, vasopressors can be associated with side effects and complications. The ICU team is monitoring every patient for these complications, which are sometimes not reversible.