Master ACLS Algorithms 2025 - Updated AHA Guidelines

American Heart Association (AHA) updates the guidelines of CPR/ECC courses every 5 years. Below we review the 2020 updates. More can be found in 2020 AHA Guidelines.

The Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) algorithm is a systematic and evidence-based approach developed by the American Heart Association (AHA). It guides healthcare professionals in delivering emergency cardiac care for patients experiencing cardiac arrest, arrhythmias, strokes, and other life-threatening emergencies. The AHA revises the ACLS algorithm every five years to integrate the latest medical research and technological advancements, ensuring that treatment guidelines reflect the best practices for delivering high-quality cardiac care.

According to recent clinical research from the AHA, the ACLS algorithm provides a structured sequence of actions intended to stabilize patients in life-threatening conditions. This algorithm focuses on maximizing survival rates and ensuring optimal neurological outcomes. Mastery of these protocols is crucial for healthcare providers in emergency medicine, intensive care, and certain primary care settings, enabling rapid, organized, and effective intervention in high-pressure situations where every second matters.

The following are the core ACLS algorithms that are important for understanding and simplifying a patient's step-by-step treatment process. Familiarizing yourself with these flowcharts is crucial to passing your ACLS exam successfully. Your mastery of these ACLS protocols will undoubtedly help save many lives.

  • ACLS Cardiac Arrest Algorithm
  • ACLS Bradycardia Algorithm
  • ACLS Tachycardia Algorithm
  • ACLS Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
  • ACLS Suspected Stroke Algorithm
  • ACLS Post-Cardiac Arrest Care Algorithm
  • Cardiac Arrest in Pregnancy Algorithm
  • Opioid-Associated Life-Threatening Emergency Algorithm.

All Advanced Cardiac Life Support Algorithms in 2020-2025

Hs and Ts in ACLS Algorithm?

The below are the Hs and Ts in ACLS algorithm also known as reversible causes:

  • Hypovolemia
  • Hypoxia
  • Hydrogen ion (acidosis)
  • Hyper-/hypokalemia
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hypothermia
  • Toxins
  • Tamponade(cardiac)
  • Tension pneumothorax
  • Thrombosis (coronary and pulmonary)
  • Trauma

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AHA ACLS ALGORITHMS FAQS

Which alteration to the standard ACLS algorithm is appropriate for hypothermia?

During the extrication of a hypothermic cardiac patient to the hospital intermittent CPR is acceptable if continuous CPR is not possible. Withholding ACLS medical until the patient's body temperature reaches 30°C, it is reasonable to give 3 shocks and 3 doses of cardiac arrest medications after then.

What is the highest priority in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithm?

Intermittent CPR can be administered while transporting a hypothermic cardiac patient to the hospital if continuous CPR is not feasible. Delay the administration of ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) medications until the patient's body temperature reaches 30°C. Additionally, it may be reasonable to consider administering three shocks and three doses of cardiac arrest medications after the patient's body temperature has reached this level.

What are the ABCs of ACLS?

ABC refers to Airway, Breath, and Circulation. It's a common term used by healthcare providers to remember the initial assessment.

What are the 5 lethal rhythms?

Asystole, Ventricle Tachycardia (VT), Ventricle Fibrillation (VF), and Polymorphic Ventricle Tachycardia (Torsade de pointes) are the four lethal rhythms to recognize and review ECG interpretation.

What is the most important algorithm in ACLS?

Well, every algorithm is designed to simplify the recognition and treatment process for a patient having cardiac arrest yet the most important and commonly used algorithm is the cardiac arrest ACLS algorithm.

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