Acute heart failure (AHF) is a complex disease characterized by an acute worsening of heart failure symptoms, usually in patients with pre-existing heart failure. Clinical evaluation of patients with AHF involves the assessment of clinical history, a comprehensive physical examination, and laboratory and diagnostic testing. In this Review, Mentz and O'Connor highlight the literature on the clinical evaluation of AHF, in addition to summarizing the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying its development.
- Robert J. Mentz
- Christopher M. O'Connor