From the coronary care unit to the cardiovascular intensive care unit: the evolution of cardiac critical care

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the evolution of cardiac critical care in the past half century. It tracks the rapid advances in the management of cardiovascular disease and how the intensive care area has kept pace, improving outcomes and incorporating successive innovations. The current multidisciplinary, evidence based unit is vastly different from the early days and is expected to evolve further in keeping with the concept of 'hybrid' care areas where care is delivered by the 'heart team'.

Keywords: Cardiac critical care; Cardiovascular intensive care; Multidisciplinary heart care.