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).

LBBAP limits hospital readmissions after TAVR
Left bundle branch area pacing is associated with better long-term outcomes than traditional right ventricular pacing when patients require PPMI after TAVR, according to new research in Heart Rhythm.
FDA approves Boston Scientific leads for left bundle branch area pacing
Boston Scientific's INGEVITY+ pacing leads were originally approved by the FDA back in 2019. They can now be used for LBBAP, a new alternative to biventricular pacing.
JACC editor excited by progress during a 'very important moment' for cardiology
Harlan Krumholz, MD, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, explains some of the key technology and treatment trends he has his eyes on.
FDA approves Biotronik lead, catheter for left bundle branch area pacing
LBBAP is a relatively new alternative to biventricular pacing. The FDA's decision was based largely on data from the BIO-CONDUCT clinical trial.
Surgeons make history, perform world’s first fully robotic heart transplant
The procedure, which lasted roughly two and half hours, was performed on a 16-year-old patient with end-stage heart failure.

Empagliflozin helps heart failure patients stay out of the hospital

The study's authors focused on data from the previously completed EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPERIOR-Preserved trials.

February 15, 2022

The Corvia Atrial Shunt is designed to address elevated left atrial pressure (LAP) heart failure patients.

Implantable atrial shunt therapy trial identifies treatable HFpEF patients

The REDUCE LAP-HF II study identified heart failure patients who may benefit from receiving a new transcatheter implant manufactured by Corvia Medical.

February 9, 2022

AEE use during CIED procedures for HFrEF patients not always cost-effective

The use of these devices when treating certain high-risk patients is still recommended.

February 2, 2022

Metformin boosts outcomes for patients with HF and diabetes—sulfonylurea initiation makes things worse

Sulfonylureas, researchers wrote, "may best be avoided" among patients with both HF and diabetes.

February 1, 2022

Good news: Survival is up, hospitalization costs are down among older HF patients

Hospitalizations are also getting shorter, allowing patients to return to the comfort of home earlier than before.

January 26, 2022

Annual heart failure costs in the US could surpass $70B by 2030

As one might expect, the largest economic burden linked to HF is related to hospitalizations.

January 25, 2022

Heart failure associated with an increased risk of cancer

Cardiologists and oncologists should collaborate to guide the optimal management of patients with HF and cancer.

January 21, 2022

Q&A: Cardiologist discusses COVID-19 and its impact on patient care

Eric Stecker, MD, chair of the American College of Cardiology's Science and Quality Committee, joined us for an exclusive interview.

January 18, 2022

Heart Failure

LBBAP limits hospital readmissions after TAVR

FDA approves Boston Scientific leads for left bundle branch area pacing

JACC editor excited by progress during a 'very important moment' for cardiology

FDA approves Biotronik lead, catheter for left bundle branch area pacing

Surgeons make history, perform world’s first fully robotic heart transplant