Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

cute decompensated heart failure is among the most ommon indications for hospitalization in the U.S. and esults in approximately one million hospitalizations annully (1). Although consensus guidelines provide evidenceased strategies for the treatment of chronic heart failure, he current therapy of acute heart failure is largely empirical. he first priority of management is relief of symptoms. A ariety of studies have shown consistent correlations beween improvement in resting hemodynamics, particularly he reduction of elevated filling pressures, and improved ymptom status during hospitalization and beyond (2). ntravenous vasodilators and positive inotropic agents both cutely lower filling pressures and enhance cardiac output. lthough both drug classes are often viewed as “cornertones” of treatment, considerable controversy exists about heir relative benefits during hospitalization.