[Acute heart failure]

Abstract

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a major public health problem throughout the world and its importance is continuing to grow. More than 50% of ADHF patients have coronary artery disease, which is generally associated with a history of hypertension. Recent data suggest that half of the patients presenting with acute heart failure have preserved left ventricular systolic function. The diagnosis of ADHF may be difficult at times, and the clinical assessment and patient profiling is essential for appropriate therapy. Immediate therapeutic goals are not only to improve symptoms, restore oxygenation and stabilize hemodynamic conditions, but also to improve short- and long-term survival. In addition to general supportive measures such as oxygen supplementation, noninvasive ventilation, analgesia, diuretics, vasodilators together with inotropic agents and/or vasopressors remain the cornerstone of therapy in patients with ADHF.