Noninvasive Ventilation in Acute Heart Failure

To assess the role of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in acute heart failure (AHF).

NIV rapidly improves the respiratory distress and reduces the need for intubation and even mortality in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE). Therefore, NIV is indicated as first line therapy in ACPE. NIV may also be considered in some cases of cardiogenic shock after stabilization. CPAP is an easier and cheaper technique that is recommended as first-line therapy, particularly in pre-hospital or low-equipped areas. Noninvasive pressure support ventilation is equally effective in these scenarios, and may be preferable in patients with mild fatigue or significant hypercapnia, including those with associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). High flow nasal cannula is an alternative for patients who need prolonged ventilation or those who show poor tolerance to these techniques. NIV should be used as a first-line therapy in all patients with ACPE and should be considered in stable cardiogenic shock and AHF associated to COPD.