Cardiovascular 1: Classification of Pharmacological
(Therapeutic) Interventions Portal
In the CALS Provider Course Manual, recommendations for evaluation and management of cardiovascular emergencies are derived in large part from the most current American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.1,2 In all cases in which the CALS medical reviewers considered it consistent with intent of this Provider Course, an attempt has been made to align our recommendations with those of the AHA.
| Class I | Benefit >>> Risk; should be performed/administered |
| Class IIa | Benefit >> Risk, but further study needed; it is reasonable to perform/administer |
| Class IIb | Benefit ≥ Risk; may be considered |
| Class III | Risk ≥ Benefit; should not be performed/administered |
In addition, each recommendation may be supported by levels of evidence as follows:
| Level A | Random clinical trials in multiple populations, or meta-analyses |
| Level B | Limited populations; single randomized trial or nonrandomized studies |
| Level C | Limited populations, expert opinion, case studies |
References
- ECC Committee, Subcommittees and Task Forces of the American Heart Association. 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2010;122(18 suppl 3).
- Hazinski MF, Samson R, Schexnayder S, eds. 2010 Handbook of Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association; 2010.