Early in-hospital treatment of acute heart failure. Part 2 of the international expert opinion series on AHF management.

Abstract

Acute heart failure (AHF) remains a major global health challenge, contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality and healthcare resource utilization. It is one of the leading causes of hospitalization, with persistently high readmission rates underscoring the need for improved early management strategies. Despite its prevalence, clear and evidence-based guidance for the early evaluation and treatment of AHF is limited. Congestion is the primary reason for emergency admission, making rapid and effective decongestion a top priority, but diuretics are often underdosed in AHF patients. Medications proven to improve mortality are often not started. In this state-of-the-art review, we address this critical gap by outlining a practical, evidence-based framework for the early management of AHF. Key components include early identification of co-existing conditions, bedside haemodynamic profiling, a structured diagnostic approach incorporating both standard and individualized assessments, a stepwise pharmacologic diuretic strategy beginning with high-dose intravenous loop diuretics, and early in-hospital initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy.