Cardiac Problems in Neurocritical Care

Patients admitted with various acute neurological problems in the neurocritical care unit can have other systemic involvement. Among them the involvement of cardiopulmonary system is unique. This is because the brain, spinal cord, and the connections to the heart and the control exerted by the nervous system on the heart, lung, and the blood vessels, which makes them vulnerable to the injury. The reported incidence of cardiac dysfunction in acute brain injury is very high up to 70%. However, it is also well recognized that cardiovascular diseases can be present in patients admitted in the neurointensive care. These interactions affects the diagnosis, prognosis, and management. Those managing such patients must have thorough knowledge on the coexisting disorders to institute appropriate individualized therapy. This chapter gives detailed view on various acute neurological conditions which is complicated by the cardiac dysfunction.