Advertisement
ADVANCED SEARCH

This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response View responses Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Allen, L. A. Articles by O'Connor, C. M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Allen, L. A. Articles by O'Connor, C. M. Related Collections Heart failure Other emergency medicine Related Articles

Management of acute decompensated heart failure

From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC

Correspondence to: Dr. Christopher M. O'Connor, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3356, Durham NC 27710, USA; fax 919 681-7755; christophe.oconnor{at}duke.edu

Abstract

Acute decompensated heart failure represents a heterogeneous group of disorders that typically present as dyspnea, edema and fatigue. Despite the high prevalence of this condition and its associated major morbidity and mortality, diagnosis can be difficult, and optimal treatment remains poorly defined. Identification of the acute triggers for the decompensation as well as noninvasive characterization of cardiac filling pressures and output is central to management. Diuretics, vasodilators, continuous positive airway pressure and inotropes can be used to alleviate symptoms. However, few agents currently available for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure have been definitively shown in large prospective randomized clinical trials to provide meaningful improvements in intermediate-term clinical outcomes. Multiple novel therapies are being developed, but previous treatment failures indicate that progress in the management of acute decompensated heart failure is likely to be slow.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. A. Allen, A. F. Hernandez, C. M. O'Connor, and G. M. Felker End points for clinical trials in acute heart failure syndromes. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 16, 2009; 53(24): 2248 - 2258. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Lapp, V. Mitrovic, N. Franz, H. Heuer, M. Buerke, J. Wolfertz, W. Mueck, S. Unger, G. Wensing, and R. Frey Cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667) Improves Cardiopulmonary Hemodynamics in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Circulation, June 2, 2009; 119(21): 2781 - 2788. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. Frey, W. Muck, S. Unger, U. Artmeier-Brandt, G. Weimann, and G. Wensing Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Tolerability, and Safety of the Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Activator Cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667) in Healthy Male Volunteers J. Clin. Pharmacol., December 1, 2008; 48(12): 1400 - 1410. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Nemeth MD Acute decompensated heart failure Can. Med. Assoc. J., July 17, 2007; 177(2): 175 - 175. [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. A. Smithline MD MS Acute decompensated heart failure Can. Med. Assoc. J., July 17, 2007; 177(2): 175 - 175. [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. A. Allen MD and C. M. O'Connor MD Acute decompensated heart failure Can. Med. Assoc. J., July 17, 2007; 177(2): 175 - 176. [Full Text] [PDF]

eLetters:

HOME	CURRENT ISSUE	PAST ISSUES	COLLECTIONS	HELP	SEARCH
Copyright 1995-2007, Canadian Medical Association. All rights reserved. ISSN 1488-2329 (e) 0820-3946 (p) All editorial matter in CMAJ represents the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Canadian Medical Association.