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).

cardiologists evaluating the human heart to provide a treatment strategy

Stem cell patch shows potential to heal heart patients—no surgery or transplant required

The new patch is implanted through a tiny incision and held in place with a biocompatible adhesive. It then helps the heart recover over time, replacing dead tissue that would typically never be able to regenerate. 

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Mitral annular calcification linked to higher heart failure risks

In fact, researchers wrote, MAC appears to influence a patient's odds of developing HFpEF even more than their BMI.

FDA panel to review first heart failure device of its kind

The shunt device being reviewed showed a 52% reduction in hospitalizations and favorable trends in mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. 

Ancora Heart AccuCinch Ventricular Restoration System heart failure FDA

Transcatheter heart failure implant from Ancora Heart linked to positive 2-year data

The flexible device is attached to the inner wall of the left ventricle during a minimally invasive procedure. It was designed to reduce the size of the left ventricle over time.

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Hospital in Mexico earns first heart failure certification of its kind

A facility outside the United States has received the American Heart Association's Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Certification for the first time.

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FDA announces recall for Johnson & Johnson devices due to cybersecurity risk—customers urged to act

The FDA and Johnson & Johnson MedTech are telling customers to keep the devices in a secure environment until they can be disabled from all networks.

New expert guidelines examine the use of temporary MCS during heart surgery

Three leading medical societies collaborated on the new document, providing detailed recommendations that cover a wide variety of technologies and clinical scenarios.

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FDA approves subcutaneous diuretic treatment for heart failure-related edema

The newly approved drug-device combination helps patients manage their own treatment from the comfort of home.