Open AccessManagement of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure in the Emergency Department
Author(s) -
Peacock W. Frank,
Allegra John,
Ander Douglas,
Collins Sean,
Diercks Deborah,
Emerman Charles,
Kirk Douglas J.,
Starling Randall C.,
Silver Marc,
Summers Richard
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
congestive heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1751-7133
pISSN - 1527-5299
DOI - 10.1111/j.1527-5299.2003.03203.x
Subject(s) - medicine , heart failure , emergency department , acute decompensated heart failure , intensive care medicine , medical diagnosis , disease , health care , emergency medicine , nesiritide , disease management , medical emergency , cardiology , nursing , pathology , natriuretic peptide , parkinson's disease , economics , economic growth
Heart failure, a disease of epidemic proportions, has a tremendous clinical and financial impact on the US health care system. With more than 5 million Americans diagnosed with heart failure and 5‐year mortality approaching 50%, it is the most common cause of hospitalization in patients older than 65 years and is the single most expensive diagnosis in the US health care system. Because the average US hospital loses more than $1000 per heart failure admission, effective therapies that decrease length of stay, reduce hospital costs, and prevent 30‐day readmissions are needed. This article reviews the relevant pathophysiology of heart failure, discusses the newest diagnostic strategies for emergency department diagnoses, evaluates recent advances and effects of early aggressive therapies, and presents a suggested algorithm for the treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure in emergency departments.