Acute Heart Failure Syndromes (original) (raw)

; for the International Working Group on Acute Heart Failure Syndromes A cute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) poses unique diagnostic and management challenges. This syndrome has recently received attention from researchers, clinicians, regulatory agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry. However, there is no consensus on its definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, appropriate therapeutic options, and directions for future research. This document is the result of the First and Second International Workshop on Acute Heart Failure Syndrome that took place in May 2004 and April 2005. At these workshops, a selected group of physician scientists, epidemiologists, clinicians, regulatory and governmental funding agencies, and industry representatives from North and South America and Europe convened to develop a platform for future investigative approaches and management of AHFS. Subsequently, emergency physicians, who play a pivotal role in the early management of AHFS, contributed to this document. Definition AHFS is defined as gradual or rapid change in heart failure (HF) signs and symptoms resulting in a need for urgent therapy. These symptoms are primarily the result of severe pulmonary congestion due to elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressures (with or without low cardiac output). AHFS can occur in patients with preserved or reduced ejection fraction (EF). Concurrent cardiovascular conditions such as coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, valvular heart disease, atrial arrhythmias, and/or noncardiac conditions (including renal dysfunction, diabetes, anemia) are often present and may precipitate or contribute to the pathophysiology of this syndrome. 1-3 Epidemiology Until recently, the clinical characteristics, management patterns, and outcomes of patients hospitalized with AHFS have