Acute heart failure is the rapid onset of a serious complication related to chronic heart disease. It is the result of ineffective pumping action of the heart, which inhibits normal blood flow to the body. An ineffective pump causes the back flow of fluids into the lungs, leading to respiratory difficulty that can result in respiratory arrest and death.

Coronary artery disease is a major factor in acute heart failure. The arteries of the heart can become narrowed, due to accumulated deposits of cholesterol adhering to the artery wall. This can further impede blood flow, compounded by a heart that is not contracting with enough force to pump blood.

The causes of acute heart failure can be attributed to an enlarged heart, heart by-pass surgery, infection, heart attack, valvular disorders, and dangerous heart dysrhythmias. A damaged heart that is incapable of doing the work required for blood circulation, deprives the organs and tissues of nourishment, which can lead to organ failure, such as the kidneys.

There are two types of heart failure. Systolic dysfunction occurs when the heart does not contract as it should. Diastolic dysfunction manifests when the heart is rigid and fails to relax appropriately post contraction. Therefore, the ability of the heart to fill with blood is hindered.

A chief symptom of acute heart failure is respiratory distress. In addition to this, there may be edema or swelling of the extremities, coughing, chest pain, and fatigue. The person may voice feelings of suffocation and chest tightness, as well as fear which can exacerbate symptoms.

Treatment for this disorder is comprised of loop diuretics to increase urine output, potassium sparing diuretics to reduce loss of potassium during increased urination, ACE-inhibitors, and medications designed to dilate blood vessels for increased blood flow. Dilated vessels will also aid in the reduction of high blood pressure readings.

Another type treatment option is hemodialysis, which acts to remove excessive fluids from the blood, This treatment may be necessary particularly when there is kidney damage. The administration of oxygen via nasal cannula or face mask will help to keep blood oxygen levels as normal as possible. Elevating the head will help to reduce breathing difficulties and increase patient comfort.

All over the world, there are fifteen-million new cases of acute heart failure yearly. In the US, there are one half million people suffering from the effects of this disease. Currently, the mortality rate for those suffering from severe heart failure is approximately fifty to sixty percent. Heart failure rates are escalating due an increase of the elder population. Age is one of many factors and more women die from it than men.

Education represents the vital link in recognizing the signs and symptoms of acute heart failure. Time is the enemy and a delay in treatment can result in extreme complications.

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