Review article

Acute heart failure

Milan Nikšić ; Zavod za kardiovaskularne bolesti, Klinika za internu medicinu, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Ana Petretić ; Zavod za kardiovaskularne bolesti, Klinika za internu medicinu, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Luka Bastiančić ; Zavod za kardiovaskularne bolesti, Klinika za internu medicinu, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Gordana Bačić ; Zavod za kardiovaskularne bolesti, Klinika za internu medicinu, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Luka Zaputović ; Zavod za kardiovaskularne bolesti, Klinika za internu medicinu, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka

Abstract

Heart failure is defined as abnormality of cardiac function or cardiac structure,
leading to failure of the heart to deliver oxygen to the metabolizing tissues pursuant to their
requirements. Clinically, it’s usually defined as a syndrome in which patients have typically
symptoms as fatigue, breathlessness, ankle swelling. Most common cause of heart failure is
coronary artery disease. Acute heart failure is life threatening condition characterized with
rapid onset of clinical signs and symtpoms, and it’s usually triggered by acute myocardial infarction,
hypertension or arrhythmias. Diagnostics and treatment is preformed at the same
time. Diagnostics includes physical examination, electrocardiography, blood tests, chest xray
and echocardiography. Treatment of acute heart failure usually includes oxygen, diuretics,
opioids, vazodilatators, and in cases of cardiogenic shock inotropic support. Early inhospital
and late mortality remain high.

Keywords

cardiogenic shock; pulmonary edema

Hrčak ID:

112528

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/112528

Publication date:

2.12.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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