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).

Stem cell company acquires 2 cardiology practices, calling them ‘the first of many’
Hemostemix believes its new cell therapy platform can help treat peripheral artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other serious medical conditions. The company plans on scooping up multiple practices to conduct additional research and increase the use of its platform.
‘Beer belly’ associated with multiple heart risks, especially in men
Abdominal obesity, the phenomenon commonly known as “beer belly," may be associated with significant risks, including heart failure. Researchers urged cardiologists and radiologists alike to keep these findings in mind going forward.
Adjustable interatrial shunt for heart failure shows promise in first-in-human trial
Gregg Stone, MD, spoke to Cardiovascular Business about early data from the ATHENS-HF trial. Ten heart failure patients were treated with the adjustable device, and each implant was a success.
Oral heart failure drug receives FDA’s fast track designation
A clinical trial focused on patients with HFpEF is expected to be completed by July 2026.
Some reviewers opposed FDA's approval of new drug for life-threatening disease
When the FDA approved elamipretide for the treatment of Barth syndrome, not everyone agreed with the agency's decision.

The Harmony pulmonary valve was among the devices involved with the FDA Breakthrough Device Designation program that gained more rapid market clearance. The FDA graph shows cardiovascular devices leading the types of devices involved in the program.

Cardiovascular devices lead FDA Breakthrough Device Designation program

The FDA said cardiovascular devices make up the largest number of technologies accepted into the Breakthrough Devices Program, and several are on the list of the first 50 in the program to gain market clearance.

This latest shortage involves dobutamine, an injectable medication often prescribed for advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock. It is also a central component of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), a test used to evaluate patients with severe aortic stenosis.

A new supply issue hits cardiology: 5 recommendations for cardiologists during the dobutamine shortage

The shortage could lead to significant issues for cardiologists. The American College of Cardiology provided some words of wisdom on the ongoing issue.

Cardiologists sound the alarm as ‘staggering’ new data suggest CVD rates in the U.S. will rise dramatically

New data from the CDC and U.S. Census Bureau show just how bad CVD rates could get in the next few decades. Specialists agree that a lot of work is needed to help keep these estimates from becoming a reality.

Heart failure deaths on the rise among young adults

After staying mostly consistent between 1999 and 2012, age-adjusted mortality rates rose sharply through 2019.

Ancora Heart AccuCinch Ventricular Restoration System heart failure FDA

Regulatory Roundup: FDA clears AI-powered Apple Watch competitor, grants breakthrough designation to new heart failure device

Ancora Heart received the FDA’s breakthrough device designation for its AccuCinch Ventricular Restoration System, a new minimally invasive transcatheter device designed for the treatment of heart failure.

Restricting salt intake too much may backfire for some heart patients

Limiting salt is a common recommendation for patients hoping to improve their heart health or lose weight. According to a new analysis of more than 1,700 patients, however, going too far with such restrictions can lead to worse outcomes.

Cardiologists applaud new research on social/structural determinants of health among heart patients

The American Heart Association and Association of Black Cardiologists announced the winners of a six-month data challenge, describing health equity as "one of the most pressing areas in healthcare.”

Early follow-up care boosts outcomes, including survival, among heart failure patients

Researchers tracked data from more than 450,000 patients treated over the course of 15 years, sharing their findings in JAMA Network Open.

Heart Failure

Stem cell company acquires 2 cardiology practices, calling them ‘the first of many’

‘Beer belly’ associated with multiple heart risks, especially in men

Adjustable interatrial shunt for heart failure shows promise in first-in-human trial

Oral heart failure drug receives FDA’s fast track designation

Some reviewers opposed FDA's approval of new drug for life-threatening disease