Journal Mobile

Author(s): 
TN Martin, AJB Brady
Journal Issue: 
Volume 39: Issue 2: 2009

Format

Abstract

 

Acute pulmonary embolism is a common major medical condition and is frequently poorly managed. There has been wide variation within and between countries, and even within hospitals, on how to diagnose and treat this frequently encountered  medical  emergency. This  review  examines  the  current  status  and advances now available in most acute centres, and reveals how the new European Society  of  Cardiology  guidelines  simplify  this  complex  and  poorly  understood condition. Particular emphasis is placed on the new role of biochemical markers of myocardial stress and on the definition of right ventricular dysfunction as key determinants of severity and risk of death and for specific therapy.

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