The incidence of decompensated heart failure is very high, and hospitalization costs are high for this disorder. The death rate from this condition varies according to the studied population, but it typically exceeds 10%. In addition, the diagnosis is difficult, and physical examinations and family history are essential in determining the severity and etiology of the disease. A key clinical sign for decompensated heart failure is distention of the jugular vein.
Treatment for decompensated heart failure depends on the severity of the heart failure. Acute decompensation requires diuretics to improve the patient’s renal function, and may require aquapheresis ultrafiltration. A vasodilator like nitroglycerin, a loop diuretic, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation are usually the initial treatments. The use of nesiritide and nitroglycerin is used in the initial therapy. However, these treatments are costly, and many patients are not eligible for them.
Acute decompensated heart failure is usually treated with diuretics and a non-invasive technique called aquapheresis ultrafiltration is often required. In more advanced cases, an interventional procedure called aquapheresis is necessary to remove excess blood and restore normal functions of the heart. An initial therapy for decompensated heart failure is usually a vasodilator such as nitroglycerin or a loop diuretic like furosemide, and a cardioverter.
The cost of hospitalization for decompensated heart failure is 58,528 CZK per patient per year and is higher for the first year after discharge. The prevalence of heart failure is estimated at 7.98 billion people, which accounts for 7.98 billion CZK per year in the Czech Republic. The cost of treating heart failure is 2.7% of the total healthcare budget in the Czech Republic. The authors state that the research was conducted according to ethical standards.
The RAPID-CHF trial, led by Bart BA, compared ultrafiltration with usual care for decompensated heart failure patients with cardiorenal syndrome. This trial demonstrated that ultrafiltration is a highly effective and safe treatment for this disorder. The study was funded by Amgen Inc. and conducted by Pharmerit International. Although the results are promising, some medical treatments remain understudied and unproven.
The role of ultrafiltration in decompensated heart failure remains unclear. The societal guidelines relating to this condition are vague, and there are no clear guidelines for its use. It requires a central venous access and can be expensive. In children, it has not been proven whether it improves survival. Its role in the treatment of this disorder is not clear yet, but it is not a bad idea to take in more information about it.
In addition to its medical implications, the symptoms and prognosis of decompensated heart failure can vary widely. The symptoms of this condition depend on the cause of the decompensation. In contrast, the disease can be triggered by certain stressors, including a high blood pressure. The severity of the condition depends on the underlying cause. The condition can be caused by a number of factors, including age.