Acute Heart Failure: Knowing the Symptoms and Triggers Could Save Your Life

Most people with heart failure develop this chronic condition over time and are able to control its symptoms. When heart failure develops gradually, the body - along with proper medical treatment - can help make up for the failing heart. But when something suddenly affects the heart's ability to function, such as a heart attack or an infection, it can cause acute heart failure. When this happens, the body can't offset the sudden change. Acute heart failure is life-threatening.

What are common triggers of acute heart failure?
Different things can trigger acute heart failure for different people. Some of the most common triggers are:

• Heart attack
• A defective or failing heart valve
• A serious infection of the heart or lungs
• An irregular or very fast heartbeat
• Eating too much sodium or salt
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen)
• Overactive thyroid
• Anemia
• Pregnancy
• Not taking your medication as directed
• Over-exercising or extreme emotional stress

Symptoms of acute heart failure
The symptoms of acute heart failure can be the same as chronic heart failure, only they worsen suddenly and/or become very severe. This usually takes place over the course of hours or days. When the heart suddenly starts to fail, fluid rapidly builds up in the lungs. This is called pulmonary edema, and it can cause:

• Sudden and severe shortness of breath
• Coughing up foamy, pink mucus
• Heart palpitations

Call 9-1-1 right away if you have any of these symptoms.

If you have chronic heart failure, it is important to report any change in your heart failure symptoms to your doctor. Changes in symptoms could be a sign of acute heart failure.

Treatment of acute heart failure
You typically need to be in the hospital if you have acute heart failure. While there, you are given medications to help your heart work better and oxygen therapy to help you get enough oxygen to your body. Also, your heart and lung function will be closely monitored along with your blood pressure and other vital signs.