Coronary Care Unit (CCU)
A coronary care unit (CCU) or cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) is a
specialized hospital ward designed for the treatment of patients
experiencing heart attacks, unstable angina, cardiac dysrhythmia, and other
cardiac conditions necessitating continuous monitoring and medical
intervention.
The cornerstone of coronary care lies in the availability of telemetry,
which enables constant monitoring of the heart's rhythm through
electrocardiography. This early detection facilitates prompt administration
of medication, cardioversion, or defibrillation, ultimately enhancing
patient outcomes.
Given the prevalence of arrhythmias in this patient demographic, those with
myocardial infarction or unstable angina are typically admitted to the
coronary care unit. Admission for other conditions, such as atrial
fibrillation, usually requires specific indications, while for instances
like heart block, admission to the coronary care unit is standard practice.
In the United States, coronary care units typically operate as subsets of
intensive care units (ICU) devoted to managing critically ill cardiac
patients. These units are commonly found in hospitals with a focus on
cardiothoracic surgery. Invasive monitoring techniques, such as pulmonary
artery catheters, are frequently utilized, alongside supportive measures
like mechanical ventilation and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP).
Certain hospitals, such as Johns Hopkins, maintain combined units
encompassing both acute care for critically ill patients and intermediate
care for those not in critical condition.
Acute coronary care units (ACCU), also known as "critical coronary care
units" (CCCU), offer a level of service comparable to intensive care.
Patients with acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or those
undergoing "open-heart" surgery are commonly treated in these units.
Subacute coronary care units (SCCU), alternatively referred to as
Progressive care units (PCU), Intermediate coronary care units (ICCU), or
step-down units, provide care at an intermediary level between the intensive
care unit and general medical floor. These units primarily cater to patients
requiring cardiac telemetry, such as those with unstable angina.
undo Intensive Care Unit (ICU)