Cardiology for Paramedics

Book excerpt: Cardiology doesn’t need to be complicated but it is important to have a good understanding of the heart and how it functions. Cardiology for Paramedics looks at the physiology of the heart and its conduction system and explains the controls of cardiac function and blood pressure and looks at common dysrythmias including myocardial infarctions. The cardiovascular system has to perform effectively under a wide variety of circumstances therefore it must have mechanisms that allow it to adapt to any changes that occur. Tissue needs vary with activity and the cardiovascular system is capable of adjusting to these needs in a variety of different ways. A basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system is not just of theoretical interest; it is essential in dealing with clinical situation such as interpretation of vital signs, recognition of shock states, management of the, patient with cardiovascular disease, interpretation of electrocardiograms and understanding of the role and effects of medications. Your first step in treating your patient should be the recognition of the abnormalities that are present. To effectively recognize these abnormalities you must understand normal function and the body’s adaptive mechanisms.