Congestive heart failure acute pharmacotherapy

Jump to navigation Jump to search


Resident
Survival
Guide
Congestive Heart Failure Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Systolic Dysfunction
Diastolic Dysfunction
HFpEF
HFrEF

Causes

Differentiating Congestive heart failure from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Clinical Assessment

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

Chest X Ray

Cardiac MRI

Echocardiography

Exercise Stress Test

Myocardial Viability Studies

Cardiac Catheterization

Other Imaging Studies

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring

Medical Therapy:

Summary
Acute Pharmacotherapy
Chronic Pharmacotherapy in HFpEF
Chronic Pharmacotherapy in HFrEF
Diuretics
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin receptor blockers
Aldosterone Antagonists
Beta Blockers
Ca Channel Blockers
Nitrates
Hydralazine
Positive Inotropics
Anticoagulants
Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Nutritional Supplements
Hormonal Therapies
Drugs to Avoid
Drug Interactions
Treatment of underlying causes
Associated conditions

Exercise Training

Surgical Therapy:

Biventricular Pacing or Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
Implantation of Intracardiac Defibrillator
Ultrafiltration
Cardiac Surgery
Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs)
Cardiac Transplantation

ACC/AHA Guideline Recommendations

Initial and Serial Evaluation of the HF Patient
Hospitalized Patient
Patients With a Prior MI
Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention
Surgical/Percutaneous/Transcather Interventional Treatments of HF
Patients at high risk for developing heart failure (Stage A)
Patients with cardiac structural abnormalities or remodeling who have not developed heart failure symptoms (Stage B)
Patients with current or prior symptoms of heart failure (Stage C)
Patients with refractory end-stage heart failure (Stage D)
Coordinating Care for Patients With Chronic HF
Quality Metrics/Performance Measures

Implementation of Practice Guidelines

Congestive heart failure end-of-life considerations

Specific Groups:

Special Populations
Patients who have concomitant disorders
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Patient with CHF
NSTEMI with Heart Failure and Cardiogenic Shock

Congestive heart failure acute pharmacotherapy On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Congestive heart failure acute pharmacotherapy

CDC on Congestive heart failure acute pharmacotherapy

Congestive heart failure acute pharmacotherapy in the news

Blogs on Congestive heart failure acute pharmacotherapy

Directions to Hospitals Treating Congestive heart failure acute pharmacotherapy

Risk calculators and risk factors for Congestive heart failure acute pharmacotherapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: Acute heart failure; AHF; Heart failure; HF; BTB; bridge to bridge; BTD; bridge to decision; BTR; bridge to recovery;

Overview

Acute heart failure can occur in the setting of a new onset heart failure or worsening of an existing chronic heart failure (also known as acute decompensated heart failure, flash pulmonary edema, ADHF). ADHF presents with acute shortness of breath due to the development of pulmonary edema (the rapid accumulation of fluid in the lung). Other signs and symptoms of ADHF include hypotension with impaired and organ perfusion manifested by worsening renal function, altered mentation and cold clammy extremities. ADHF associated with a poor prognosis if not treated aggressively. Like chronic heart failure therapy, the goal is to improve symptoms but unlike chronic therapy the other goals are to improve oxygenation and hemodynamic stability. The mainstays of the acute medical treatment in acute decompensated congestive heart failure include oxygen to improve hypoxia, diuresis to reduce both preload and intravascular volume and vasodilators to reduce afterload. Some of the mainstays of chronic heart failure therapy are not initiated acutely (ACE inhibtors,beta blockers and digoxin).






2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Heart Failure Guideline Hospitalization of patients with acute heart failure

Assessment of Patients Hospitalized With Decompensated HF

Class I
"1. In patients hospitalized with HF, the severity of congestion and adequacy of perfusion should be assessed to guide triage and initial therapy (Level of Evidence C-LD).
"2. In patients hospitalized with HF, the common precipitating factors and the overall patient trajectory should be assessed to guide appropriate therapy (Level of Evidence C-LD).
"3. For patients admitted with HF, treatment should address reversible factors, establish optimal volume status, and advance GDMT toward targets for outpatient therapy (Level of Evidence C-LD).

[1]

Maintenance or Optimization of GDMT During Hospitalization

Class I
"1. In patients with HFrEF requiring hospitalization, preexisting GDMT should be continued and optimized to improve outcomes, unless contraindicated (Level of Evidence B-NR)''.
"2. In patients experiencing a mild decrease of renal function or asymptomatic reduction of blood pressure during HF hospitalization, diuresis, and other GDMT should not routinely be discontinued (Level of Evidence B-NR)''.
"3. In patients with HFrEF, GDMT should be initiated during hospitalization after clinical stability is achieved. (Level of Evidence B-NR).
''4. In patients with HFrEF, if discontinuation of GDMT is necessary during hospitalization, it should be reinitiated and further optimized as soon as possible (Level of Evidence B-NR)''

[1]

Diuretics in Hospitalized Patients: Decongestion Strategy

Class I
"1. Patients with HF admitted with evidence of significant fluid overload should be promptly treated with intravenous loop diuretics to improve symptoms and reduce morbidity (Level of Evidence B-NR)''.
"2. For patients hospitalized with HF, therapy with diuretics and other guideline-directed medications should be titrated with the goal to resolve clinical evidence of congestion to reduce symptoms and rehospitalizations(Level of Evidence B-NR)''.
"3. For patients requiring diuretic treatment during hospitalization for HF, the discharge regimen should include a plan for adjustment of diuretics to decrease rehospitalizations (Level of Evidence B-NR).

[1]

Class IIa
"4. In patients hospitalized with HF when diuresis is inadequate to relieve symptoms and signs of congestion, it is reasonable to intensify the diuretic regimen using either: a. higher doses of intravenous loop diuretics or addition of a second diuretic(Level of Evidence: B-NR) "

[1]

Parenteral Vasodilation Therapy in Patients Hospitalized With HF

Class IIa
"1. In patients who are admitted with decompensated HF, in the absence of systemic hypotension, intravenous nitroglycerin or nitroprusside may be considered as an adjuvant to diuretic therapy for relief of dyspnea(Level of Evidence: B-NR) "

[1]

VTE Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients

Class I
"1. In patients hospitalized with HF, prophylaxis for VTE is recommended to prevent venous thromboembolic disease (Level of Evidence B-R)''.

[1]

Subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin, unfractionated heparin, fondaparinux, or approved DOAC are used for the prevention of clinically symptomatic deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism[1].

Evaluation and Management of Cardiogenic Shock

Class I
"1. In patients with cardiogenic shock, intravenous inotropic support should be used to maintain systemic perfusion and preserve end-organ performance(Level of Evidence B-R)''.

[1]

Class IIa
" 2. In patients with cardiogenic shock, temporary MCS is reasonable when an end-organ function cannot be maintained by pharmacologic means to support cardiac function (Level of Evidence B-NR)".
'' 3. In patients with cardiogenic shock, management by a multidisciplinary team experienced in shock is reasonable(Level of Evidence C-NR)''

[1]

Class IIb
" 4. In patients presenting with cardiogenic shock, placement of a PA line may be considered to define hemodynamic subsets and appropriate management strategies (Level of Evidence B-NR)".
'' 5. For patients who are not rapidly responding to initial shock measures, triage to centers that can provide temporary MCS may be considered to optimize management (Level of Evidence C-LD)''

[1]

Integration of Care: Transitions and Team-Based Approaches

Class I
"1. n patients with high-risk HF, particularly those with recurrent hospitalizations for HFrEF, referral to multidisciplinary HF disease management programs is recommended to reduce the risk of hospitalization(Level of Evidence B-R)''.
"2. In patients hospitalized with worsening HF, patient-centered discharge instructions with a clear plan for transitional care should be provided before hospital discharge(Level of Evidence B-NR)''.

[1]

Class IIb
" 3. In patients hospitalized with worsening HF, participation in systems that allow benchmark-ing to performance measures is reasonable to increase use of evidence-based therapy, and to improve quality of care.(Level of Evidence B-NR)".
'' 4. In patients being discharged after hospital-ization for worsening HF, an early follow-up, generally within 7 days of hospital discharge, is reasonable to optimize care and reduce rehospitalization (Level of Evidence B-NR)''

[1]

2021 ESC Guideline for management of acute heart failure

Abbreviations: AHF: Acute heart failure; LMWH: Low-molecular-weight heparin; PaO2: Partial pressure of oxygen ; SBP: Systolic blood pressure; SpO2: Transcutaneous oxygen saturation;

Recommendations for initial treatment of acute heart failure
Oxygen, ventilation support (Class I, Level of Evidence C):

Oxygen is recommended in hypoxic patients with SpO2<90% or PaO2 <60 mmHg
Intubation is recommended in the presence of progressive respiratory failure in spite of oxygen administration or non-invasive ventilation

Oxygen, ventilation support (Class IIa, Level of Evidence B):

❑ In patients with respiratory distress (respiratory rate >25 breaths/min, SpO2<90%), non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is recommended to decrease respiratory distress and reduce the rate of mechanical endotracheal intubation

Diuretics :(Class I, Level of Evidence C) :

❑ Intravenous loop diuretics are considered for all admitted patients with acute heart failure presented with signs, symptoms of fluid overload

Diuretics : (Class IIa, Level of Evidence B)

❑ In patients with resistant edema who do not respond to an increase in loop diuretic doses, combination of a loop diuretic with thiazide type diuretic should be considered

Vasodilators: (Class IIb, Level of Evidence B)

❑ In order to improve symptoms and reduce congestion in patients with AHF and SBP >110 mmHg, vasodilators may be considered as initial therapy

Inotropic agents : (Class 2b, Level of Evidence C)

Inotropic agents may be considered in patients with SBP <90 mmHg and evidence of hypoperfusion without response to fluid challenge, to improve peripheral perfusion and maintain end-organ function

Inotropic agents (Class III, Level of Evidence C):

❑ Routinely administration of inotropic agents are not recommended , due to safety concerns, unless the patient has symptomatic hypotension and evidence of hypoperfusion

Vasopressors: (ClassIIb, Level of Evidence B)

❑ In patients with cardiogenic shock, a vasopressor, preferably norepinephrine, may be indicated to increase blood pressure and vital organ perfusion

Anticoagulant therapy: (ClassI, Level of Evidence A)

Thromboembolism prophylaxis such as LMWH is recommended in patients not already anticoagulated and no contraindication to anticoagulation, to prevent the risk of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Opiates: (ClassIII, Level of Evidence C)

Opiates is not routinely recommended, unless in selected patients with severe, intractable pain or anxiety

The above table adopted from 2021 ESC Guideline

[2]

Pre-hospital setting

In-hospital management

Pre-discharge phase

Oxygen therapy, ventilatory support

lead to hypercapnia.

Diuretics

6 h and/or by measuring the hourly urine output.

Vasodilators

Inotropes

Vasopressors

Opiates

Digoxin

  • Digoxin should be considered in patients with AF with a rapid ventricular rate (>110 b.p.m.) despite beta-blockers.
  • Digoxin can be given in boluses of 0.25-0.5 mg i.v., if not used previously.
  • In patients with comorbidities (i.e. CKD) or other factors affecting digoxin metabolism (including other drugs) and/or the elderly, the maintenance dose may be difficult to estimate.
  • Serum concentration of digoxin should be measured.

Thromboembolism prophylaxis









 
 
 
Management of acute heart failure
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cardiogenic shock, respiratory failure
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NO
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Identifying acute causes
 
 
 
Pharmacologic therapy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acute Coronary syndrome
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
NO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Immediate initiation of specific treatment
 
Further treatment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The above algorithm adopted from 2021 ESC Guideline

[2]


Short-term mechanical circulatory support

2021 ESC Guideline for management of pulmonary edema

 
 
 
Management of patients with pulmonary edema
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oxygen (Class I) or ventilatory support (Class IIa)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Systolic blood pressure ≥110 mmHg
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
NO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loop diuretics (Class I) and/or vasodilators (Class IIb)
 
 
 
 
Signs of hypoperfusion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
NO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loop diuretics (Class I) and inotropes/vasopressors(Class IIb)
 
Loop diuretics (Class I)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Congestion relief
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
NO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Optimized medical therapy
 
Renal replacement therapy
 
The above algorithm adopted from 2021 ESC Guideline


2021 ESC Guideline for management of cardiogenic shock

 
 
 
Management of patients with cardiogenic shock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), mechanical complications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
 
 
NO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emergency PCI or surgical treatment
 
 
 
Identifying and treatment of other specific causes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oxygen therapy (Class I) or ventilatory support (Class IIa)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Improvement of hypoperfusion and organ dysfunction
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Yes
 
NO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weaning from inotropes/vasopressors and/or mechanical circulatory support
  • Treatment of underlying etiology and medical therapy optimization (Class I )
 
Mechanical circulatory support(Class IIa)
  • Renal replacement therapy (Class IIa)
  • Palliative care
  •  
     
     
    The above algorithm adopted from 2021 ESC Guideline

    References

    1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Heidenreich PA, Bozkurt B, Aguilar D, Allen LA, Byun JJ, Colvin MM; et al. (2022). "2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines". Circulation. 145 (18): e876–e894. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001062. PMID 35363500 Check |pmid= value (help).
    2. 2.0 2.1 McDonagh TA, Metra M, Adamo M, Gardner RS, Baumbach A, Böhm M, Burri H, Butler J, Čelutkienė J, Chioncel O, Cleland J, Coats A, Crespo-Leiro MG, Farmakis D, Gilard M, Heymans S, Hoes AW, Jaarsma T, Jankowska EA, Lainscak M, Lam C, Lyon AR, McMurray J, Mebazaa A, Mindham R, Muneretto C, Francesco Piepoli M, Price S, Rosano G, Ruschitzka F, Kathrine Skibelund A (September 2021). "2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure". Eur Heart J. 42 (36): 3599–3726. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehab368. PMID 34447992 Check |pmid= value (help). Vancouver style error: initials (help)

    Template:WikiDoc Sources