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).

Researchers share first human data on new interventional shunt procedure for HFpEF

The first-in-man study, completed by a team of cardiologists in China, included 10 patients presenting with HFpEF. 

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European Society of Cardiology publishes new genetic testing guidelines for heart conditions

The new international consensus document gives detailed recommendations on when to offer genetic testing for patients and their family members. 

Steven E. Nissen, MD, discusses his late-breaking clinical trial with panelist Vera Bittner, MD.

Cholesterol medications, flu shots and heart failure: Day 2 at ACC.22

Day 2 of ACC.22 was jam-packed with late-breaking clinical trials. Read our quick rundown of what researchers shared with the public for the very first time. 

Cardiology groups debut new heart failure guidelines ahead of ACC.22

The new recommendations went live just ahead of ACC.22. They can be read in full in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Circulation or Journal of Cardiac Failure.

Congress dome capitol Washington

Congress investigating FDA over heart device recall, says agency ‘failed to protect consumers’

“I am concerned by the FDA’s slow action, over multiple administrations, to protect patients from this product despite early warning signs,” one U.S. representative said in an open letter. 

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Researchers to develop spirituality screening tool for heart failure patients

A new literature review finds suggested links between higher spirituality and a higher quality of life for heart failure patients.

AI models capable of identifying RV, LV dysfunction in ECGs

Specialists used EHR data, imaging results and natural language processing to bring their advanced AI models to life. 

There has been fear of a small number of patient who experience myocarditis after COVID vaccination, but a new study found it is safe in patients with prior heart damage. Image courtesy of Banner Health. #COVID19 #COVIDvaccination

COVID-19 vaccines safe for patients with a history of heart damage

“These results provide reassuring data that may encourage patients with a history of myocarditis to get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2,” one specialist said.