Acute heart failure
Heart failure is a syndrome in which the heart cannot meet the body's circulatory demands under physiological conditions.
- Acute heart failure is defined as a rapid onset of a new, or worsening signs and symptoms of HF.
- In most cases, due to LV dysfunction.
- Most commonly, AHF occurs as an exacerbation of an existing chronic heart failure (acute decompensated heart failure); typically, due to an MI, excessive salt intake, sudden discontinuation of medications, or tachyarrhythmias.
- AHF can lead to congestion and hypoperfusion, with the following:
- Peripheral edema and dilated veins
- Pulmonary hypertension, presenting as severe dyspnea and orthopnea, and coughing up of pink sputum
Etiology
- Acute MI and ischemia
- Acute and severe