Management of Acute Heart Failure

Sit the patient upright

Oxygen
100% if no pre-existing lung disease

IV access and monitor ECG

Treat any arrhythmias, eg AF 


Investigations whilst continuing treatment

Furosemide 40–80mg IV slowly
Larger doses required in renal failure

GTN spray 2 puff s SL or 2 ≈ 0.3mg tablets SL
Don’t give if systolic BP <90mmHg


Necessary investigations, examination, and history


If systolic BP ≥100mmHg, start a nitrate infusion,
eg isosorbide dinitrate 2–10mg/h IVI; keep systolic BP ≥90mmHg


If the patient is worsening:
• Further dose of furosemide 40–80mg
• Consider CPAP—improves ventilation by recruiting more alveoli, driving fl uid out
of alveolar spaces and into vasculature (get help before initiating!)
• Increase nitrate infusion if able to do so without dropping systolic BP <100
If systolic BP <100mmHg, treat as cardiogenic shock and refer to ICU

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