Intermediate cardiac care units: rationale, resources, and admission criteria. Position statement of the SEC-ACICAC

Intermediate cardiac care units (IMCU) provide a level of care between hospital wards and cardiac acute care units. They are designed for patients who require close monitoring or noncritical support, such as those with acute coronary syndromes, acute heart failure (HF), arrhythmias, monitoring after structural interventional cardiology or electrophysiology procedures, or postoperative care following cardiac surgery. IMCU help optimize resources and relieve pressure on cardiac acute care units, thereby improving specialized care. Two levels of IMCU are defined: level 1, which offers noninvasive monitoring and basic life support, and level 2, which incorporates invasive arterial pressure monitoring, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and equipment for complex procedures. Their structure should be functional, with single-patient rooms, effective communication with other services, and dedicated areas for health care personnel. Care is led by cardiologists with specific training, supported by highly specialized nursing staff, and requires continuous medical coverage (24hours a day, 7 days a week) based on well-defined clinical protocols. This model aims to provide efficient, safe, and excellence-driven care. The Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) promotes its development through this position statement of the SEC Ischemic Heart Disease and Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (SEC-ACICAC), intended to guide the implementation of IMCU in Spain.