The patient’s presentation of sudden dyspnea, pink frothy sputum, and bilateral crackles in the context of heart failure is classic for acute pulmonary edema. This condition results from elevated hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries causing fluid leakage into alveoli. Immediate treatment includes IV furosemide to reduce preload by promoting diuresis and nitrates to decrease both preload and afterload, thus rapidly improving pulmonary congestion and oxygenation. Quick intervention is critical to prevent respiratory failure and hemodynamic compromise.

Reference: Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, J. Larry Jameson et al., 20th Edition.