Taking the "critical" out of critical cardiac care: what does the future hold for cardiac care units?

This article identifies the rapid advancement of invasive and noninvasive interventional cardiac technologies. The newest cardiac diagnostics are those awaiting Food and Drug Administration approval will have a significant impact in relation to the acuity of future critically ill cardiac patients. While the elderly population continues to grow, these recipients of healthcare will also have more education available to them and hopefully will be practicing healthier lifestyles. There are several research studies in process that will change the future of critical care patients as well as critical care nurses. This article identifies approaches to the treatments and management of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias as they impact coronary heart disease, which still remains the leading cause of death in the United States.