Management of decompensated heart failure.
Much has been written about the management of chronic heart failure (HF) and there is strong evidence from many controlled, multicenter trials to support a specific strategy for management of compensated HF. There is little evidence and limited guidance for the management of patients during a period of decompensation. The use of diuretics, inodilators, and vasodilators is based primarily on anecdotal observation. This article reviews selected current literature in three areas (diuretics, vasodilators, and inotropes) to examine objective evidence and expert opinion that are available to guide the advanced practitioner who manages the care of patients with decompensated HF.
University of Maryland Medical System, Division of Cardiology, 22 S Greene St, Suite S3B08, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. kbranum@medicine.umaryland.edu
Kay
K
Branum
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D014665:Vasodilator Agents