Table 25: Major precipitants of decompensation from established heart failure
Major Category: Ischemia

Examples

  • Worsening of known CAD
  • New onset CAD
  • Infarction
Major Category: Electrical

Examples

  • Atrial arrhythmia
  • Ventricular arrhythmia
  • RV pacing or ICD discharge
Major Category: Provider

Examples

  • Inappropriate medication
  • Diuretic withdrawal
  • Nutraceutical addition
Major Category: Patient Non-adherence

Examples

  • Medication
  • Diet
  • Illicit drug or alcohol use
Major Category: Surgical

Examples

  • Post non-cardiac surgery
  • Post CV surgical procedure
Major Category: Endocrine

Examples

  • Thyroid function
  • Addition/withdrawal of steroids
Major Category: Renal/Hematologic

Examples

  • Worsening renal function
  • Anemia
Major Category: Infectious

Examples

  • Pneumonia, influenza
  • Endocarditis
  • Re-activation of myocarditis
Major Category: Social / Mental Health

Examples

  • Depression / Anxiety
  • Social stressors
  • Living conditions
CAD, coronary artery disease;
CV, cardiovascular;
ICD, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator;
RV, right ventricular.