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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Acute Heart Failure (ICD-10)
Introduction
Acute heart failure (AHF) is a sudden and severe decline in heart function, leading to inadequate blood circulation to meet the body's needs. It can develop as a result of chronic heart failure decompensation or suddenly in individuals with no prior history of heart disease.
ICD-10 Classification
The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) categorizes acute heart failure under I50: - I50.1 - Left ventricular failure - I50.9 - Heart failure, unspecified - I50.0 - Congestive heart failure
Causes of Acute Heart Failure
AHF can result from various conditions, including: - Ischemic heart disease (e.g., myocardial infarction) - Hypertension crisis - Arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia) - Valvular heart diseases - Pulmonary embolism
Symptoms of Acute Heart Failure
- Severe shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
- Fatigue and weakness
- Cough producing white or pink-tinged sputum
- Swelling in legs and abdomen (edema)
- Cold and clammy skin due to poor circulation
Diagnosis
To diagnose acute heart failure, doctors use: - Clinical examination (listening for lung congestion, edema assessment) - Blood tests (BNP and NT-proBNP levels) - ECG (evaluates electrical activity of the heart) - Echocardiography (determines ejection fraction and structural abnormalities) - Chest X-ray (detects fluid in lungs)
Treatment of Acute Heart Failure
Managing AHF requires rapid intervention: 1. Oxygen Therapy - Improves oxygenation 2. Diuretics – Reduces fluid overload 3. Vasodilators (e.g., nitroglycerin) – Lowers blood pressure and decreases heart workload 4. Inotropes (e.g., dobutamine) – Support weak heart pumping 5. Mechanical Support (in severe cases) – Ventilation or mechanical circulatory support like intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure and diabetes
- Follow a low-sodium diet
- Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking
- Regular cardiac check-ups
Conclusion
Acute heart failure is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Early recognition and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-heart-failure
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejhf.2333
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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