What does the majority of ADHF admissions stem from?

The majority of admissions for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF) are primarily due to fluid congestion. In heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised, leading to a backlog of fluid in the lungs and other tissues. This fluid congestion causes symptoms such as dyspnea (shortness of breath), orthopnea (difficulty breathing when lying flat), and peripheral edema (swelling in the limbs).

Patients typically present with symptoms related to this fluid overload as their heart fails to meet the body's demand for adequate circulation. The management of fluid status is essential in treating ADHF, including the use of diuretics to help remove excess fluid and alleviate symptoms. Recognizing that fluid congestion is the primary factor in most ADHF admissions is crucial for effective assessment and intervention in heart failure patients.