Acute Decompensated Heart Failure : Medical Management

While pharmaceutical innovation has been highly successful in reducing mortality in chronic heart failure, this has not been matched by similar success in acute decompensated heart failure ( ADHF ). ADHF is the most common reason for hospital admission in patients over the age of 65, and is associated with staggering costs. Furthermore, the prognosis of patients admitted with ADHF remains dismal, associated with high readmission and mortality rates within 6 months after admission. Therefore, it is important to understand current characteristics and clinical care of patients hospitalized with ADHF. Furthermore, an awareness of existing efficacy and safety data with available therapies is essential for optimal patient management. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of controlled clinical trial data to guide treatment, and the few trials conducted have focused primarily on symptom relief and not outcomes. Our understanding and appropriate patient management of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has continued to evolve.