Management of acute decompensated heart failure: treatment, controversy, and future directions

Pharmacotherapy. 2006 Aug;26(8 Pt 2):131S-138S. doi: 10.1592/phco.26.8part2.131S.

Abstract

Acute decompensated heart failure is a growing public health care problem worldwide. The goals of treatment are immediate hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement followed by persistent follow-up with adherence to chronic heart failure guidelines. Controversies have centered around the best treatment options and avoidance of serious adverse events. This article highlights our current understanding of acute decompensated heart failure, discusses the controversy surrounding currently available new vasoactive treatments, and details future potential therapies.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Atrial Natriuretic Factor / adverse effects
  • Diuretics / adverse effects*
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / mortality
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Hydrazones / adverse effects
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / adverse effects
  • Peptide Fragments / adverse effects
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Pyridazines / adverse effects
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Simendan
  • Vasodilator Agents / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Diuretics
  • Hydrazones
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Pyridazines
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
  • Simendan
  • Ularitide
  • Atrial Natriuretic Factor