title: Management of acute decompensated heart failure.
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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Larry A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014462:Ultrafiltration / Q000379:methods; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; D014665:Vasodilator Agents