Medications to Avoid in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this chapter is to educate physicians and practitioners of medicine on agents to avoid when managing patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Through this review, we will offer explanations as to why it is necessary to refrain from the usage of certain medications, with the goal of providing optimal health care.Recent FindingsThe latest research reveals several classes of medications which should be used with caution or not at all in patients with ADHF.SummaryWe found that vasodilators (like ACE inhibitors) present the risk of hypotension, while beta- and calcium channel blockers worsen decompensation. Additionally, anti-arrhythmics were found to increase mortality, inotropes caused several deleterious effects (hypotension, arrhythmia), and glycosides offered no mortality benefit. Practitioners should be able to understand the adverse effects associated with the use of several drug classes in ADHF. With a proper understanding of these risks, they can make an educated determination as to whether they should be utilized in certain clinical scenarios.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research