Non-invasive Ventilation: A Gimmick or Does It Really Affect Outcomes?

Abstract Heart failure affects 5.1 million Americans every year and leads to over 900,000 annual emergency department (ED) visits. Of those patients, over 80 % will be admitted to the hospital. In the ED, treatment focuses on preload and afterload reduction through the use of diuretics and vasodilators. For those patients requiring oxygen, particularly those in respiratory distress, non-invasive ventilation improves symptoms by increasing ventilation, decreasing preload and afterload, decreasing work of breathing, and increasing gas exchange. Non-invasive ventilation is an effective intervention and is considered an important component of therapy in ED patients with acute heart failure.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research