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).

Thumbnail

American Heart Association introduces new certification program for home health heart failure patients

Heart failure cases are expected to keep growing in the years ahead. 

Thumbnail

Omecamtiv mecarbil may provide value for patients with severe heart failure

The analysis supports a potential role for omecamtiv mecarbil in the treatment of severe HF.

Thumbnail

Exposure to air pollution, traffic noise raises odds of heart failure

The study examined the impact of long-term environmental exposure to air pollution and vehicle noise.

Thumbnail

Heart failure patients benefit from rehabilitation intervention

Older patients hospitalized with heart failure, acute decompensated HF and preserved ejection fraction had poor baseline functionality, quality of life and depression. 

Thumbnail

COVID-era telephone visits confer higher 90-day mortality risk for HF patients

According to a new analysis, the widespread use of remote heart failure care during the pandemic may lead to increased telemedicine use in the future. 

Thumbnail

Remote PA pressure monitoring pays off when treating HF patients

The study, published in Current Problems in Cardiology, included both a systematic review and a meta-analysis.

Thumbnail

Heart failure patients with cirrhosis more likely to be readmitted within 30 days

When hospitalized heart failure patients also have cirrhosis of the liver, they may require "increased resources to assist in caring for them."

Thumbnail

TEER benefits all HF patients with SMR, but men see more long-term benefits

The study's authors examined data from men and women who underwent TEER with the MitraClip device in addition to guideline-directed medical therapy.