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StatPearls, LLC

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • Advanced Trauma Life Support Care
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Electrocardiography
  • Myocardial Contusions

Cardiac Trauma

Cardiac trauma, a critical condition resulting from either blunt or penetrating injuries, presents a spectrum of outcomes from minor, self-resolving arrhythmias to fatal injuries. Rapid fatality is common, with approximately 90% of individuals with lethal cardiac trauma dying before reaching the hospital. Survival rates for those who do reach medical facilities range from 20% to 75%. The evaluation, management, and treatment of cardiac trauma involve a systematic approach guided by Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols. Blunt and penetrating cardiac injuries require different diagnostic strategies, ranging from electrocardiograms and cardiac-specific troponins to echocardiography and point-of-care ultrasound. In stable patients, computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography offer detailed imaging to guide treatment decisions. Management of cardiac trauma varies depending on the injury. Dysrhythmias may require advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) and potential electrical cardioversion; myocardial contusions are treated supportively; and cardiac ruptures necessitate surgical intervention. Penetrating injuries generally require operative management, with techniques to control bleeding and repair lacerations being crucial. Interprofessional teamwork is vital in managing cardiac trauma, ensuring comprehensive care from initial assessment through to definitive treatment. Despite advancements in medical care, the survival rate for traumatic cardiac arrest remains low, highlighting the need for rapid, coordinated intervention to improve outcomes. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in performing the recommended evaluation of patients with cardiac trauma and implementing an appropriate interprofessional approach when managing this condition.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABPMR — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABPMR — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 9 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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