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).

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LVAD therapy benefits older heart failure patients—but remains underutilized

The new analysis, which included data from more than 24,000 adult patients, was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 

Empagliflozin gains FDA approval as treatment for adult HFrEF patients

The FDA’s decision was based largely on results from a clinical trial that included more than 3,700 heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less.

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16% of heart failure patients delay or skip treatment—many for financial reasons

A majority of patients delaying care came from a low-income household.

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TMVR outcomes suffer when patients have heart failure and diabetes—but benefits remain

Overall, the authors emphasized, TMVR helped heart failure patients with and without diabetes.

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FDA announces recall of 48,000 Boston Scientific pacemakers, CRT-Ps

This is a Class I recall, which means the issue can lead to serious injury or death.

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Missed opportunities: Early heart failure diagnoses often overlooked in outpatient setting

“Making these diagnoses earlier could allow for urgent intervention, preventing the cardiac remodeling and organ dysfunction that accompany delays in treatment,” the study's authors said. 

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Early rhythm control therapy beneficial for AFib patients with suspected heart failure

According to the study's authors, their findings suggest that "all patients with signs or symptoms of heart failure should be considered for rhythm control therapy within a year of being diagnosed with AFib."

Dapagliflozin associated with better long-term outcomes for HFrEF patients

Findings from the study may be helpful in conveying the benefits of dapagliflozin treatment to patients with HFrEF, the authors said. 

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