The role of intravenous vasodilators in acute heart failure management

Abstract

Acute heart failure is a major cause of emergency hospital admission, with significant impact on health resources and patient outcomes. With no new treatments for over 20 years, the advent of new innovative therapies may facilitate a radical change in our approach to such patients. In this article, we examine the current evidence for the use of current intravenous vasodilators in AHF management, and review the potential of novel therapies currently in development.

Keywords: Acute heart failure; Nitrates; Vasodilators.