Guideline decision tool · Cardiology
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Acute Heart Failure Profiling & Management — free guideline decision tool

This tool profiles acute heart failure by perfusion (warm/cold) and congestion (wet/dry) and directs diuresis, vasodilation, and inotrope use accordingly.

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Computed locally — no data uploaded. For licensed clinicians.
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Guideline-based

Implements the decision logic from published clinical guidelines.

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Runs in your browser

No installation. Enter the patient's values and get a guideline recommendation instantly.

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Data stays local

Nothing is uploaded. Results are for licensed clinicians only.

Worked calculation

The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.

Peripheral perfusionWell perfused (warm)
CongestionCongested (wet: pulmonary crackles, edema, JVD)
Systolic BP (optional)100 mmHg

Clinical profileWarm-wet (good perfusion + congestion, most common)

  • Targeted managementIV loop diuretic (furosemide) for decongestion; if BP allows (SBP > 110) add a vasodilator (nitroglycerin/nitroprusside) to reduce pre/afterload; hypertensive pulmonary edema centers on aggressive vasodilation/BP reduction
  • GeneralSemi-recumbent; oxygen if SpO₂ < 90%, noninvasive ventilation for acute pulmonary edema/respiratory distress (RR > 25); continuous BP and ECG monitoring; morphine not routine
  • Cause/precipitantRapidly identify and treat precipitants: acute coronary syndrome, tachy/bradyarrhythmias, infection, abrupt BP rise, non-adherence or drug discontinuation, worsening renal function, etc.
Peripheral perfusionHypoperfused (cold: cool limbs, oliguria, confusion, narrow pulse pressure)
CongestionNot congested (dry)
Systolic BP (optional)100 mmHg

Clinical profileCold-dry (hypoperfusion, no congestion)

  • Targeted managementCarefully assess volume, a cautious fluid challenge if needed; inotrope for persistent hypoperfusion; avoid over-diuresis
  • GeneralSemi-recumbent; oxygen if SpO₂ < 90%, noninvasive ventilation for acute pulmonary edema/respiratory distress (RR > 25); continuous BP and ECG monitoring; morphine not routine
  • Cause/precipitantRapidly identify and treat precipitants: acute coronary syndrome, tachy/bradyarrhythmias, infection, abrupt BP rise, non-adherence or drug discontinuation, worsening renal function, etc.

Common questions

What is Acute Heart Failure Profiling & Management?

This tool profiles acute heart failure by perfusion (warm/cold) and congestion (wet/dry) and directs diuresis, vasodilation, and inotrope use accordingly.

How is Acute Heart Failure Profiling & Management calculated? What is the core formula?

Warm-wet → loop diuretic + vasodilator (if SBP > 110); cold-wet → inotrope (± vasopressor) then diuresis, especially if SBP < 90; warm-dry → optimize oral drugs; cold-dry → cautious volume management.

When is Acute Heart Failure Profiling & Management used?

Use at the bedside to assign one of four hemodynamic profiles and choose targeted therapy, with general oxygen/ventilation and precipitant correction.

What are the key clinical points for Acute Heart Failure Profiling & Management?

In hypoperfused patients, diuresis is deferred until adequate perfusion is restored, and vasodilators are avoided when SBP < 90. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim) Warm-wet is the most common profile and responds to decongestion plus afterload reduction. Noninvasive ventilation is used for acute pulmonary edema/respiratory distress, and morphine is not routine.

What are the limits and cautions when using Acute Heart Failure Profiling & Management?

For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.

How is Acute Heart Failure Profiling & Management calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?

Inputs: Peripheral perfusion Well perfused (warm), Congestion Congested (wet: pulmonary crackles, edema, JVD), Systolic BP (optional) 100 mmHg → Result: Clinical profile Warm-wet (good perfusion + congestion, most common)(Targeted management: IV loop diuretic (furosemide) for decongestion; if BP allows (SBP > 110) add a vasodilator (nitroglycerin/nitroprusside) to reduce pre/afterload; hypertensive pulmonary edema centers on aggressive vasodilation/BP reduction, General: Semi-recumbent; oxygen if SpO₂ < 90%, noninvasive ventilation for acute pulmonary edema/respiratory distress (RR > 25); continuous BP and ECG monitoring; morphine not routine, Cause/precipitant: Rapidly identify and treat precipitants: acute coronary syndrome, tachy/bradyarrhythmias, infection, abrupt BP rise, non-adherence or drug discontinuation, worsening renal function, etc.) Inputs: Peripheral perfusion Hypoperfused (cold: cool limbs, oliguria, confusion, narrow pulse pressure), Congestion Not congested (dry), Systolic BP (optional) 100 mmHg → Result: Clinical profile Cold-dry (hypoperfusion, no congestion)(Targeted management: Carefully assess volume, a cautious fluid challenge if needed; inotrope for persistent hypoperfusion; avoid over-diuresis, General: Semi-recumbent; oxygen if SpO₂ < 90%, noninvasive ventilation for acute pulmonary edema/respiratory distress (RR > 25); continuous BP and ECG monitoring; morphine not routine, Cause/precipitant: Rapidly identify and treat precipitants: acute coronary syndrome, tachy/bradyarrhythmias, infection, abrupt BP rise, non-adherence or drug discontinuation, worsening renal function, etc.)

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This tool profiles acute heart failure by perfusion (warm/cold) and congestion (wet/dry) and directs diuresis, vasodilation, and inotrope use accordingly.

Open guideline tool →

For licensed clinicians. Not a substitute for clinical judgement.

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For use by licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Computed locally in your browser — no data is uploaded. Not a substitute for clinical judgement.