Therapy of Acute Heart Failure and Cardiogenic Shock

Acute heart failure (aHF) is a life-threatening disease. In contrast to chronic heart failure, therapy for aHF is less well established. Besides a rapid diagnostic work-up a symptomatic therapy has to be given. The same is true for cardiogenic shock, the most extreme form of aHF. Therapy with vasopressors can be supported by the use of mechanical circulatory support systems (MCS). However, their use requires a high personal and hospital expertise and their role is scientifically less well established. In all patients with cardiogenic shock, a transfer to a referral centre that has all MCS possibilities should be considered.