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).

LBBAP limits hospital readmissions after TAVR
Left bundle branch area pacing is associated with better long-term outcomes than traditional right ventricular pacing when patients require PPMI after TAVR, according to new research in Heart Rhythm.
FDA approves Boston Scientific leads for left bundle branch area pacing
Boston Scientific's INGEVITY+ pacing leads were originally approved by the FDA back in 2019. They can now be used for LBBAP, a new alternative to biventricular pacing.
JACC editor excited by progress during a 'very important moment' for cardiology
Harlan Krumholz, MD, editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, explains some of the key technology and treatment trends he has his eyes on.
FDA approves Biotronik lead, catheter for left bundle branch area pacing
LBBAP is a relatively new alternative to biventricular pacing. The FDA's decision was based largely on data from the BIO-CONDUCT clinical trial.
Surgeons make history, perform world’s first fully robotic heart transplant
The procedure, which lasted roughly two and half hours, was performed on a 16-year-old patient with end-stage heart failure.

How 64% of U.S. COVID-19 hospitalizations could have been avoided

“Medical providers should educate patients who may be at risk for severe COVID-19 and consider promoting preventive lifestyle measures,” one researcher said.

February 25, 2021

FDA approves expanded indication for sacubitril/valsartan

Manufactured by Novartis under the name Entresto, the medication is now also approved for treating HFpEF.

February 17, 2021

Heart failure medication may offer relief for patients with COVID-related POTS

Overall, researchers found that ivabradine was a “safe and effective” POTS treatment associated with making significant improvements to patient heart rates and quality of life.

February 17, 2021

Ablation could be ‘a powerful new strategy’ for treating heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation

According to a new study published in Circulation, ablation was associated with numerous benefits over standard drug therapy.

February 12, 2021

Hospitalizations for heart failure on the rise

Heart failure patients are also more likely to be readmitted than they were in the recent past.

February 11, 2021

Drinking coffee reduces the risk of heart failure—but not if it’s decaf

In fact, drinking decaffeinated coffee was associated with a significant increase in heart failure risk.

February 9, 2021

Sacubitril/valsartan improves self-reported quality of life for HFpEF patients

However, treatment with sacubitril/valsartan did not lead to improvements in hospitalizations for heart failure or all-cause mortality.

February 1, 2021

Male breast cancer patients face a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues

The new findings are part of a virtual conference being hosted by the American College of Cardiology.

January 25, 2021

Heart Failure

LBBAP limits hospital readmissions after TAVR

FDA approves Boston Scientific leads for left bundle branch area pacing

JACC editor excited by progress during a 'very important moment' for cardiology

FDA approves Biotronik lead, catheter for left bundle branch area pacing

Surgeons make history, perform world’s first fully robotic heart transplant