Successful analgesia and sedation for patients with acute heart failure syndromes

Abstract

Patients presenting with an acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS) report the rapid onset of symptoms referable to their abnormal heart function.1 Their cardinal symptoms include dyspnea and fatigue, which are often accompanied by significant anxiety when the breathlessness is severe. Like the majority of critically ill patients, patients with acute heart failure commonly experience pain and discomfort, and relief of these symptoms is of paramount importance in their overall plan of care. This chapter provides an overview for the assessment of a patient's need for analgesia and sedation, reviews the common medications and strategies used to successfully provide comfort and relieve pain, and discusses potential complications of sedative therapy. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.