Emergency physicians see a high number of hypotensive heart failure patients. In his session, “Catch 22: Treating the Hypotensive Heart Failure Patient,” Peter M. DeBlieux, MD, FACEP, chief medical officer of the University Medical Center New Orleans and clinical professor of medicine at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, will provide an easy, common-sense approach to recognizing these patients and managing their acute presentation.

“There are multiple causes for low blood pressure and heart failure,” he said. “Using noninvasive mechanical ventilation and echocardiography at the bedside early on can help direct appropriate management, such as balancing fluid removal versus administration of fluids, choosing a type of pressor, or administering an inotrope.”

“Using non-invasive mechanical ventilation and echocardiography at the bedside early on can help direct appropriate management.”
—Dr. DeBlieux

Specific cases will be examined, such as right heart failure versus left heart failure, volume-depleted congestive heart failure, and cardiogenic shock. Dr. DeBlieux will also review recent literature and current guidelines on inotropic, vasoactive, diuretic, and other agents that optimize the odds for saving these complex, high-risk patients.

Dr. DeBlieux believes his combination of training in emergency medicine and critical care medicine offers unique insight into the management of these cases from the emergency department to the intensive care unit.

Peter M. DeBlieux, MD, FACEP

Catch 22: Treating the Hypotensive Heart Failure Patient
Sunday, Oct. 29
1:30-1:55 p.m.
WCC, Ballroom C