Acute heart failure poses a major healthcare problem. Recent guidelines for
heart failure address management of outpatient chronic heart failure but do not
address inpatient management. We present a unique, simple, yet comprehensive
pathway that focuses on the differential diagnosis of new-onset heart failure
and acute decompensation of chronic heart failure. An algorithm is presented for
the optimal management of the patient with chronic heart failure who presents to
the emergency room with acute symptomatic decompensation. The treatment
algorithm provides recommendations for daily management and adjustments of
therapy, which is primarily focused on a safe and rapid diuresis to the point of
discharge from the acute care setting.
BNP in Heart Failure
State of the Art Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure