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).

FDA sees value in no-implant heart failure device
The new atrial shunt from Alleviant Medical was designed to treat heart failure without leaving a permanent implant behind. The FDA granted the technology its breakthrough device designation and approved additional research.
FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders
The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.
‘Incredibly rewarding’: FDA expands total artificial heart study after early success
An additional 15 patients will now receive BiVacor's titanium total artificial heart technology as they wait for a permanent transplant.
Cardiologists perform world’s first leadless LBBAP procedures with Abbott pacemaker
The first-in-human procedures were performed in Prague with the investigational Aveir CSP leadless pacemaker system.
Cardiologists work to standardize the diagnosis and management of acute myocarditis
New expert recommendations from the American College of Cardiology were designed to help cardiologists, primary care physicians, emergency physicians, rheumatologists and other clinicians deliver the best care possible when managing suspected myocarditis.

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

Merck’s vericiguat gains FDA approval for treating high-risk chronic heart failure patients

Sold as Verquvo, the medication can help patients reduce their risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure.

January 22, 2021

24% of heart failure patients hospitalized with COVID-19 die

The authors examined data from more than 1.2 million patients, tracking individuals who had previously been hospitalized for heart failure and then returned later due to COVID-19.

January 21, 2021

How to predict heart failure among patients with diabetes, prediabetes

Researchers were able to predict, with considerable accuracy, each patient's 5- and 10-year risk of heart failure.

January 15, 2021

Beta-blockers make little difference for heart attack patients without heart failure or LVSD

The researchers, sharing their work in the American Journal of Cardiology, suggested multiple reasons why this may be the case.

January 15, 2021

Heart Failure

FDA sees value in no-implant heart failure device

FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

‘Incredibly rewarding’: FDA expands total artificial heart study after early success

Cardiologists perform world’s first leadless LBBAP procedures with Abbott pacemaker

Cardiologists work to standardize the diagnosis and management of acute myocarditis