Management of emergencies. 13. Acute cardiac decompensation.

Abstract

ACUTE cardiac decompensation, a clinical syndrome of considerable variability, may have several causes. Successful management of this common syndrome requires accurate etiologic diagnosis and a clear understanding of the cardiovascular pathophysiology upon which effective therapy is based. A pathophysiologic description is beyond the scope of this presentation, and is available in several excellent reviews.1 2 3 Adequate management of acute cardiac decompensation demands a keen awareness of the rapidity with which its various manifestations can emerge–as a reflection of the underlying cause or in response to therapy. Thus, acute cardiac decompensation may first present as sudden agitation and anxiety without easily detectable . . .