The condition is caused by severe congestion of multiple organs by fluid that is inadequately circulated by the failing heart. An attack of decompensation can be caused by underlying medical illness, such as myocardial infarction, an abnormal heart rhythm, infection, or thyroid disease.

What is cardiac decompensation?

By cardiac decompensation is meant a combination of symptoms and signs that indicate that the heart by reason of its abnormal condition no longer is able to maintain an efficient circulation. In cardiac decompensation is not included the circulatory failure of acute infectious diseases.

What is the most common cause of acute decompensated heart failure?

Medication and dietary non-compliance as well as diuretic resistance are common causes of acute decompensation. Important cardiac causes for acute decompensation of stable heart failure patients include new or worsening myocardial ischemia, new infarction, atrial fibrillation , and other rhythm disorders.