BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary oedema is a life threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention with a management plan and an evidence based treatment protocol. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the features, causes, prevalence and prognosis of heart failure and the management of acute pulmonary oedema. DISCUSSION: Presentations of acute pulmonary oedema and acute heart failure to general practice require a coordinated and urgent response. Initial assessment, management and monitoring should occur concurrently and must be modified in response to clinical changes.
BACKGROUND:Acute pulmonary oedema is a life threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention with a management plan and an evidence based treatment protocol. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the features, causes, prevalence and prognosis of heart failure and the management of acute pulmonary oedema. DISCUSSION: Presentations of acute pulmonary oedema and acute heart failure to general practice require a coordinated and urgent response. Initial assessment, management and monitoring should occur concurrently and must be modified in response to clinical changes.