Patients with acute pulmonary edema need rapid preload and afterload reduction and often their volume status is difficult to ascertain. Casey Patrick and Brad Ward discuss a novel approach to using our old friend nitroglycerin in these patients along with the other cornerstones of their care.

References

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2. Levy P, Compton S, Welch R, et al. Treatment of severe decompensated heart failure with high-dose intravenous nitroglycerin: a feasibility and outcome analysis. Ann Emerg Med. 2007;50(2):144-52.

3. Wilson SS, Kwiatkowski GM, Millis SR, et al. Use of nitroglycerin by bolus prevents intensive care unit admission in patients with acute hypertensive heart failure. Am J Emerg Med. 2017;35(1):126-31.

4. Peacock WF et al. Morphine and Outcomes in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: An ADHERE Analysis. Emerg Med J 2008; 25: 205 – 209.