Definition:

Acute heart failure (AHF) can be defined as a heterogeneous syndrome of signs and symptoms of new-onset or gradual/rapidly worsening heart failure (HF), requiring urgent therapy. Intrinsic cardiac abnormalities and comorbid conditions, including lung and renal disease, and sleep-disordered breathing, can contribute to the development of AHF. Factors triggering AHF may include ischemia, hypertension, arrhythmias, noncardiac comorbidities, and administered drugs, etc. Because of the poor clinical outcome and the relevant associated morbidity and mortality, it remains a major public health issue with a substantial socioeconomic burden.