Nowadays, cardiac diseases, both developed de novo and acute
exacerbations of chronic conditions, remain the most prominent death cause for the
middle-aged and elderly, mostly in the developed, industrialized countries.
Since the end of 2019, COVID-19 pandemics have changed our lifestyles
fundamentally, and maybe we will never find a way to return to the world of 2019.
This catastrophic change had its impact on almost every aspect of our lives, including
how we will manage cardiac arrest patients, how to perform perform cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), ACLS, etc. A net effect is that protecting ourselves will take
priority (more than before) in all procedures we pursue. Thus we can conclude that new
generations should incorporate self-protecting behavior and techniques to benefit the
patients in the most fruitful ways.
High-quality CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation is among the most prominent issues
to save humanity from the high burden of cardiac events. Relatively novel techniques
such as mechanized devices for CPR, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO),
and therapeutic temperature management promise the highest possible solution to
improve survival rates, in conjunction with urgent coronary angiography with
revascularization.
Pandemics can be overcome not by the heroic behaviors of a few people but by the
solidarity of society. The medical community should find the best solutions to help
those in need with cardiac diseases even in pandemic conditions since this pandemic
will not go away like magic. The aim of this book is to support patients and their next
of kin, as well as health care workers, those who have dedicated themselves to healthy
well-being with their relentless endeavor.
Keywords: Cardiac arrest, Cardiac arrhythmias, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation,
COVID-19 pandemics, Defibrillation, Treatment.
