Beyond the basics: right vs. left heart failure.

Abstract

Heart failure is a pathophysiologic cascade that, if improperly identified and managed, may lead to death. If heart failure is identified early enough, development of irreversible end-stage heart failure may be avoided. The goal of the prehospital care provider in managing heart failure is directed at maintenance of adequate cellular oxygenation, reduction of preload and afterload to improve forward blood flow, and, ultimately, improve cardiac output.