The American Journal of Medicine
Volume 120, Issue 2 , Pages 121-127, February 2007

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

  • John R. Kapoor, MD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif
    • ,
  • Mark A. Perazella, MD, FACP

      Affiliations

    • Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
    • Corresponding Author InformationRequests for reprints should be addressed to Mark A. Perazella, MD, FACP, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, FMP 107, 330 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06511.

Abstract 

Heart failure afflicts large numbers of patients and is the leading cause for hospitalizations in the United States. Diagnosis and management of decompensated heart failure present a clinical challenge, requiring complex decision-making. History and physical examination findings are important in the diagnosis of heart failure. Diagnostically, B-type natriuretic peptide levels appear very useful to separate cardiac from noncardiac causes of dyspnea and provide information about heart failure severity and prognosis. Immediate management goals include improvement of symptoms and hemodynamic parameters. Diuretics, vasodilators, and inotropic agents are useful in the acute setting. This article provides a systematic approach to the diagnosis and management of acute decompensated heart failure.

Keywords: Heart failure, Diuretics, Dobutamine, Nesiritide, B-type natriuretic peptide

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 30.00 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0002-9343(06)00891-6

doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.05.066

The American Journal of Medicine
Volume 120, Issue 2 , Pages 121-127, February 2007

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution