Acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure

Clinical syndrome of reduced cardiac output, tissue hypoperfusion, increased pulmonary pressure, and tissue congestion.

Presents with dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, swelling of the legs, fatigue, and generalized weakness.

Clinical diagnosis is supported by ancillary tests such as ECG, chest x-ray, B-type natriuretic peptide, and echocardiogram. In cases where echocardiographic images are suboptimal or when an unusual cause of heart failure is suspected, and for diagnosis of specific cardiomyopathies, other tests (e.g., cardiac catheterization with hemodynamic measurements, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) are used.

Diuretics and oxygen are initial treatments for symptom relief. Cardiogenic shock may require pressor support or mechanical ventilation.

If acute myocardial infarction is present, early revascularization is essential.

Underlying cause or precipitant should be identified and treated.

Heart failure is defined clinically as a syndrome in which patients have symptoms and signs resulting from an abnormality of cardiac structure and/or function.[1]Ponikowski P, Voors AA, Anker SD, et al. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure: the task force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur J Heart Fail. 2016 Aug;18(8):891-975. http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/05/19/eurheartj.ehw128 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27207191?tool=bestpractice.com Acute heart failure refers to rapid onset or worsening of symptoms and/or signs of heart failure, requiring urgent evaluation and treatment.[1]Ponikowski P, Voors AA, Anker SD, et al. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure: the task force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur J Heart Fail. 2016 Aug;18(8):891-975. http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/05/19/eurheartj.ehw128 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27207191?tool=bestpractice.com