Aortic Regurgitation: Review of Current Management.

ABSTRACT: Aortic regurgitation (AR) is a valvular disease characterized by retrograde blood flow from the aorta to the left ventricle. Various etiologies result in either an acute or chronic clinical presentation of AR and affect the severity of disease progression. Acute AR is a medical emergency caused by sudden increases in left ventricular volume. Immediate surgical intervention, vasoactive agents, and antibiotics are crucial for management. Chronic AR progresses gradually, leading to heart failure symptoms due to left ventricular remodeling. Diagnoses of both acute and chronic AR rely on electrocardiography, chest radiographs, and echocardiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may be incorporated in chronic AR diagnosis. Medical management of chronic AR aims to control hypertension and delay left ventricular dysfunction. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and potentially calcium-channel blockers are recommended for chronic AR. ß-Blockers are cautioned against because of their potential negative effects. This article emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention in AR. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of acute and chronic AR and a medication regimen for treating chronic AR in the adult population.

Management strategies for STE-ACS.

ABSTRACT: Using guideline-driven interventions, NPs are well suited for management of ST-segment elevation (STE)-acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This second article in a two-part series on ACS management presents an updated overview to help NPs in applying evidence-based interventions while caring for patients with STE-ACS.

Mnemonic to assist in the treatment of NSTE-ACS.

Acute care NPs are in an ideal position to diagnose and manage non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE)-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by implementing guideline-driven medical interventions. Utilizing mnemonics improves efficiency of clinicians in practice. This article introduces a mnemonic to assist NPs in their response to patients with NSTE-ACS.