CA In The Elderly

Question 1

What causes most cardiac arrests in the elderly

Answer 1

Cardiac - due to increased incidence of coronary artery disease and HF

Question 2

Which rhythm is most often seen in elderly CA?

Answer 2

PEA

Question 3

What physiological changes in the elderly effect emergency management

Answer 3

Myocardial stiffening so impaired filling
Reduced fluid intake and inability to concentrate urine leads to hypovolaemia
Autonomic and baroreceptor dysfunction
Lower baseline oxygen tension so risk of hypoxia
More likely to get resp depression from drugs
Polypharmacy = risk of ADR is higher

Question 4

Why is there reduced coronary perfusion in the elderly?

Answer 4

Higher incidence of AF
Reduced ventricular compliance so reduced filling
Increased HR so decrease diastolic filling
Hypotensive