Assessment of congestion in acute heart failure: when simplicity does not go along with accuracy

Congestion is by far the main cause of hospitalization for the patients with heart failure. Its persistence at the time of discharge is among the most powerful prognostic factors.1 –3 Regrettably, no new treatment has been shown to be effective in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure. No changes in the guidelines for acute heart failure have occurred and patient outcomes have remained constant through the years.4–7 In the absence of new therapies to treat congesti on, the focus has seemingly shifted to the development of measures designed to better assess congestion and its relief before discharge.
Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Brief Report Source Type: research