Purpose of the review: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening clinical condition that requires prompt medical attention. The aim of the current review is to summarise the results of recent clinical trials conducted in patients with AHF.
Recent findings: Several novel compounds have apparently beneficial acute effects on cardiovascular haemodynamics and patients' symptoms, but their administration has not yet translated into improved survival and has been deleterious in some cases. The management of patients with AHF is challenging and reflects the heterogeneity of patient's presentation, the complexity and severity of a multi-organ syndrome, and the limited therapeutic options, usually restricted to a combination of diuretics and vasodilators. Ongoing trials of novel treatments may provide evidence of an effect on outcomes.
Keywords: Acute heart failure; Dyspnoea at rest; Non-pharmacological treatments; Pharmacological treatments.