Early management of acute heart failure

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a frequent, high-risk emergency department presentation in which early diagnostic and therapeutic decisions strongly influence outcomes. This review is timely as new evidence is reshaping the first hours of care, requiring emergency department clinicians to integrate updated diagnostic tools and early guideline-directed treatments.

Key diagnostic advances include broader use of cardiopulmonary ultrasound and emerging biomarker-based, machine-learning tools. Noninvasive ventilation remains preferred for severe respiratory distress, while high-flow nasal cannula is widely used despite neutral comparative data. Diuretic strategies are evolving, with natriuresis-guided protocols and combination regimens enhancing decongestion. Vasodilators retain a role in hypertensive AHF. In cardiogenic shock, early inotrope initiation may improve survival, and new agents such as istaroxime show promising hemodynamic effects. Additional emergency department strategies include midazolam for agitation, intravenous iron for iron deficiency, and cautious anti-inflammatory use. Avoiding iatrogenesis - particularly urinary catheterization and prolonged boarding - is crucial, especially in frail patients. Very early initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy, including SGLT2 inhibitors, is increasingly supported. Risk-based disposition using tools such as EHMRG or MEESSI-AHF, combined with structured follow-up, can improve postdischarge outcomes.

Integrating these advances may optimize early emergency department management, personalize care, and improve outcomes in AHF.