Cardiovascular emergencies account for at least 30% of all medical emergencies. The impact of cardiovascular disease is felt in every hospital and every community. Whether you are drawn to critical care practice or not, you are bound to be confronted by acute cardiac events. Responding appropriately to cardiac emergencies requires a basic familiarity with cardiac anatomy and physiology, the ability to mobilize an advanced life support team, and the skills to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
