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).

Interventional cardiology procedure in a cath lab at Beaumont Hospital.

PCI boosts survival for ischemic HF patients with moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation

Mortality rates can be especially high for ischemic HF patients presenting with FMR and LVSD, but PCI may offer some relief. 

Nurses caring for a COVID-19 patient in the COVID unit at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix.

Losartan fails to improve lung injuries in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Some of the study's findings even raised concerns that losartan could be harming these patients. 

lung cancer pulmonary nodule

Cancer, cancer-related death much more common among heart failure patients

Researchers examined data from more than 208,000 patients, sharing their findings in JACC: CardioOncology. 

Telehealth provided value for heart failure patients during COVID-19 pandemic

Overall, researchers found, 30-day readmission was less common when heart failure patients used telehealth to check in with a physician after discharge. 

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Pfizer finalizes $6.7 billion acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals, gaining key cardiovascular treatments

Etrasimod, an oral medication developed to treat certain inflammatory conditions, was at the center of Pfizer’s acquisition, but some key cardiovascular assets were also part of the transaction. 

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AI-powered ECG analysis could boost care for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Advanced algorithms can pick up on key details in a 12-lead ECG that human readers are unable to see. 

David Bennett

Pig heart transplant patient dies 2 months after historic procedure

The 57-year-old patient was able to communicate with his family in his final hours. 

David Bennett with two of his physical therapists at the University of Maryland Medical Center

Pig heart transplant patient doing well weeks after procedure—he even watched the Super Bowl

The 57-year-old patient is working with physical therapists on a daily basis, according to a recent update from the University of Maryland Medical Center.