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).

Women less likely to receive DCD heart transplants
Donation after circulatory death heart transplants are gaining popularity in the United States, but men are much more likely to be selected for one.
Heart attack deaths are way down after decades of breakthroughs—but other risks have skyrocketed
Researchers explored more than 52 years of data, highlighting several key trends in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Heart Failure Society of America names its newest leaders and board members
Kenneth Margulies, MD, will be the group's next president. These new terms all begin after the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting in September.
First 250 patients enrolled in transcatheter heart failure device trial to reduce LV size
The first 250 patients has been enrolled in the CORCINCH-HF U.S. pivotal trial evaluating the AccuCinch Transcatheter Left Ventricular Restoration System in patients with HFrEF.
How private equity influences care for heart failure patients
Overall, 30-day outcomes were not significantly different for hospitals after being acquired by a private equity firm. However, the study’s authors did identify trends that suggest there may be a drop in the quality of care.

artificial intelligence AI in healthcare

Women less likely to receive DCD heart transplants

Donation after circulatory death heart transplants are gaining popularity in the United States, but men are much more likely to be selected for one.

Heart attack deaths are way down after decades of breakthroughs—but other risks have skyrocketed

Researchers explored more than 52 years of data, highlighting several key trends in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) recently announced its new officers and board members. Their terms start at the conclusion of the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 (ASM) Sept. 26-29, 2025 in Minneapolis.

Heart Failure Society of America names its newest leaders and board members

Kenneth Margulies, MD, will be the group's next president. These new terms all begin after the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting in September.

Ancora Heart AccuCinch Ventricular Restoration System heart failure FDA

First 250 patients enrolled in transcatheter heart failure device trial to reduce LV size

The first 250 patients has been enrolled in the CORCINCH-HF U.S. pivotal trial evaluating the AccuCinch Transcatheter Left Ventricular Restoration System in patients with HFrEF.

How private equity influences care for heart failure patients

Overall, 30-day outcomes were not significantly different for hospitals after being acquired by a private equity firm. However, the study’s authors did identify trends that suggest there may be a drop in the quality of care.

Surgeons in Houston have performed the world’s first successful human implant of BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart (TAH) technology. The procedure was completed July 9, 2024, at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. It was part of an early feasibility study (EFS) first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in December 2023.

FDA sees promise in new total artificial heart technology, granting it ‘breakthrough’ status

The device was built as a bridge to transplant for patients with end-stage heart failure. It is made of titanium and approximately the size of an adult’s fist.

COVID-19 vaccine vaccination myocarditis heart damage inflammation RSNA imaging radiology cardiology

FDA wants new heart damage warnings added to COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a very low risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis, primarily in young adults. The long-term impact of this risk has been the subject of many studies and debates over the years. One side says that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and the other side says that even the smallest risk of heart damage is too high.

doctor patient elderly check up hospital

2 out of 5 heart failure patients are not seeing a cardiologist

Even seeing a cardiologist once per year can help these patients elevate their long-term survival. Many stay home, however, missing out on potentially life-saving guidance and/or treatment.