Cardiac emergencies, including acute coronary syndromes (ACS), cardiac arrest, and arrhythmias, demand rapid recognition and intervention to prevent morbidity and mortality. Recent advancements highlight the importance of early electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition and high-sensitivity troponin assays in diagnosing myocardial infarction, particularly within the first hour of patient arrival. Prehospital ECG transmission and direct cath lab activation for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients have significantly reduced door-to-balloon times.

For out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the emphasis remains on high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation using automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and post-resuscitation care including targeted temperature management. Point-of-care ultrasound is increasingly used to identify reversible causes of cardiac arrest, such as tamponade or massive pulmonary embolism. In emergency departments, protocol-driven approaches for arrhythmia management, such as synchronized cardioversion and antiarrhythmic therapy, have improved outcomes. Integration of AI and decision-support systems continues to enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making in acute cardiac care.