Abstract
Low-output heart failure represents a high-acuity, heterogeneous physiologic state marked by end-organ hypoperfusion and substantial morbidity and mortality. The clinical symptoms and exam findings vary widely, and it may manifest subtly with non-specific features of fatigue or sinus tachycardia, or present dramatically with altered sensorium, marked hypotension, and multi-organ failure. The diverse presentation of low-output heart failure highlights the importance of its prompt recognition and subsequent risk stratification. Treatment goals are focused on initial stabilization of systemic blood pressure and improved tissue and end-organ perfusion, and may be achieved through a combination of veno- and vasodilators, inotropic agents, and in severe cases, mechanical circulatory support. The following case presentation illustrates the complex findings seen in low-output heart failure, and offers a systematic approach to its evaluation and management.
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Robbins, J., Sabe, M.A. (2018). Low Output Heart Failure. In: Shah, R., Abbasi, S. (eds) Clinical Cases in Heart Failure. Clinical Cases in Cardiology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65804-9_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65804-9_6
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