Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump as much blood as the body requires. This ineffective pumping can lead to enlargement of the heart as the myocardium works harder pump the same amount of blood. Heart failure may be caused by defects in the myocardium, such as an a heart attack infarct, or due to structural issues such as severe heart valve regurgitation. Heart failure can be divided into HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The disease is further divided into four New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes. Stage IV heart failure is when the heart is completely failing and requires a heart transplant or hemodynamic support from a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

CVRx hopes new research will expand access to heart failure therapy

The BENEFIT-HF trial, scheduled to begin enrollment in the months ahead, could significantly increase the number of patients eligible for CVRx's Barostim therapy.

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Abbott’s medtech sales climbed in Q4 thanks to strength of heart devices

Abbott pointed to double-digit growth for its Navitor TAVR valve as well as big gains for the TriClip and MitraClip devices. The company also shared positive sales figures for its EP, heart failure and rhythm management portfolios. 

heart doctor cardiologist

New-look heart failure treatment shows early promise

Reducing the activity of a specific protein could provide significant relief for many heart failure patients.

Heart failure experts share guidance on increasing prevention efforts

Cardiology has been shifting from reactionary treatment strategies to a greater emphasis on prevention. This is an especially important trend in heart failure, which is associated with high costs and rising hospitalization rates. 

Compensation for U.S. cardiologists is up across the board, according to a recent survey published by MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology company. The report identified similar trends for cardiovascular surgeons, highlighting the country’s high demand for all heart specialists in 2024 and beyond.

Cardiovascular health in the United States: Exploring the good, the bad and the ugly

A new comprehensive report detailed the latest stats and trends in hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and many other areas of interest. “Progress in cardiovascular health depends on knowing where we stand,” the authors wrote. “To improve, we must measure—not occasionally, but consistently, transparently and with purpose.”

CBD heart disease

CBD shows early potential to treat heart disease

Early evidence suggests CBD could help clinicians treat pericarditis, myocarditis and other significant heart conditions. Additional research is still required, however, including many more clinical trials.

FDA approves new drug for genetic heart disease

Cytokinetics has secured FDA approval for aficamten, its new drug for the treatment of symptomatic obstructive HCM. Aficamten will be sold under the brand name Myqorzo. 

New recalls announced for troubled heart devices—FDA previously urged customers to seek alternatives

These most recent recalls focus on a series of maintenance issues. In 2024, the FDA advised customers to transition away from the two devices and find alternative treatment options.