Coronary angiography in acute heart failure

Abstract

The decision to perform a coronary angiography in acute heart failure must be well balanced. On the one hand, the decision to perform a coronary angiography supposes that an acute cause (mainly coronary) can be diagnosed by this exam and that a specific treatment (mainly revascularization) could help the patient. On the other hand, coronary angiography means that the patient must remain still in a prone position during the exam, unless intubated. This exam is also associated with the injection of a notable amount of contrast media, which increases the loading conditions and can impair renal function. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.