JACC: Case Reports
Gage, Ann; Higgins, Andrew; Lee, Ran; Panhwar, Muhammad Siyab; Kalra, Ankur
Introduction
Reports from countries struck by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have consistently highlighted physician shortages and the utilization of physicians not specifically trained in critical care to care for COVID-19 patients. Given the significant overlap between cardiology and critical care, cardiologists may be among the first physicians asked to step in to fill this shortage. If and when this occurs, a basic framework for recognition of acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and initial ventilator management is imperative. The following is a brief review of ARDS and an overview of ventilator management designed to help ensure physician comfort and patient safety.
Keywords
Clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment