Key issues of European Society of Cardiology guidelines on acute heart failure

Abstract

The European Society of Cardiology guidelines on acute heart failure focused on stratifying the definition of acute heart failure and classification of severity. These guidelines also note that the patients are hospitalized because of acute de novo or chronic heart failure. Pulmonary odema or cardiogenic shock was present in 32% of acute de novo patients and in 11% of chronic decompensated heart failure patients. The haemodynamic responses may be more aggressive in the acute de novo patients. The chapter on goals of therapy is to characterize measures for optimal care with the aim to optimize the length of stay in intensive care or on ward. The use of continuous positive airway pressure breathing is emphasized in patients with respiratory distress. The strength of evidence and level of recommendation on each medication used in treatment of acute heart failure are thoroughly discussed and introduced in table form in this compendium. © The European Society of Cardiology 2006. All rights reserved.