Patients with critical illness commonly develop problems with their heart and circulation. Various factors are involved, some may relate to the disease of the heart itself while others are secondary effects. Problems include changes in the distribution and volume of body fluid, the condition of the blood vessels and the ability of the heart to pump blood around the body.

 

Treatment for heart and circulation problems may include fluid therapy and a wide range of medicines to control the heart rate, heart pumping function and blood pressure. If mechanical assistance with the heart is required, this may be provided by the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Intensive Care Unit.