Heart failure and shock complicating acute coronary syndromes

Heart failure (HF) complicating acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterized by varying degrees of pulmonary congestion, and in its severest form, by profound organ hypoperfusion (cardiogenic shock). The occurrence of HF in patients with ACS has long been recognized as a strong predictor of increased morbidity and mortality. As such, there is increased interest in better understanding the epidemiology and management of this common clinical syndrome. This manuscript reviews recent insights from work in this area, including recent important trials evaluating the impact of renin-angiotensin system inhibition, early β-blockade, and aggressive reperfusion strategies.