what is decompensated heart failure

Decompensated heart failure (DHF) is a clinical syndrome in which a structural or functional change in the heart leads to its inability to eject and/or receive blood effectively. It is a type of heart failure that has worsened and requires immediate medical attention. DHF can occur suddenly or gradually and can affect individuals who already have a diagnosis of heart failure or those without signs of the disease. There are two types of DHF: acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and decompensated chronic heart failure. ADHF is the sudden or gradual onset of the signs or symptoms of heart failure requiring unplanned office visits, emergency department visits, or hospitalization. It is the most common form of acute heart failure and has a high mortality rate. Decompensated chronic heart failure affects individuals who already have a diagnosis of heart failure, and symptoms can occur gradually or suddenly, meaning people may need additional or immediate treatment. Symptoms of DHF include dyspnea (shortness of breath), wheezing, edema, and coughing at night. Treatment of DHF is complex and usually requires multiple strategies to be implemented simultaneously.