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).

Statin therapy may help HFpEF patients lower their risk of death, heart attack or stroke
All participants were free of ASCVD and had no history of statin use at the start of the study.
Diabetic cardiomyopathy treatment shows promise in ARISE-HF
James Januzzi Jr., MD, said the treatment's overall impact was neutral, but he and his team saw "a very clear and encouraging signal."
Keto diet ‘does not fulfill the criteria of a healthy diet,’ could be harmful for heart patients
The popular high-fat, low-carb diet is associated with multiple short-term benefits, but they appear to diminish over time.
Bayer subsidiary granted FDA’s fast track designation for new congestive heart failure treatment
AskBio, acquired by Bayer for more than $2 billion in 2020, is enrolling patients for a new clinical trial focused on the therapy's effectiveness in adult patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
2 out of 5 AFib patients develop heart failure later in life
Stroke is typically seen as the biggest danger for patients after they receive an AFib diagnosis. This study, however, suggests heart failure could be an even bigger threat.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Abiomed is recalling its instructions for certain Impella left-sided blood pumps due to significant safety concerns. New and revised instructions for use (IFU) have been sent to all affected customers.

FDA announces new recall impacting more than 66,000 Impella heart pumps after 49 deaths

More than 100 patients have been seriously injured as a result of a significant safety concern. The Impella devices can still be used, according to the recall, if customers refer to Abiomed's new and revised instructions for use.

March 21, 2024

COVID-19 vaccine vaccination myocarditis heart damage inflammation RSNA imaging radiology cardiology

‘Highly effective’: COVID-19 vaccines reduced risk of heart failure, other cardiovascular complications after infection

Researchers explored data from more than 20 million adults for the new study, tracking both short- and long-term outcomes.

March 20, 2024

Since the first U.S. deceased after circulatory death (DCD) heart transplant in late 2019, there has bee ongoing research to determine the best way to utilize this new source of donor hearts. Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine recently published a study in JAMA Network Open about their use of beating heart transplant procedures. It was found to be safe and had additional benefits. By avoiding additional warm and cold ischemic periods it eliminated need for ECMO.

New DCD heart transplant technique could reduce risk of serious injury

This new approach to transplanting deceased after circulatory death (DCD) hearts may offer significant benefits.

March 19, 2024

Elderly patient doctor. Despite an expanded indication from the FDA and lower prices, patient access to these cholesterol-lowering medications remains a significant issue.

Cognitive impairment among heart failure patients: How cardiologists can help

The Heart Failure Society of America shared a new scientific statement about this topic, noting that many patients may require additional help.

March 13, 2024

Abbott recalls device for tracking LVAD data after 8 injuries

This is a Class I recall, which means using the device “may cause serious injuries or death.” However, the FDA emphasized that this is a correction and not a product removal.

March 11, 2024

Family man from Netherlands named world’s longest-surviving heart transplant recipient

The 57-year-old father of two is still in good health decades after receiving a new heart.

March 4, 2024

Gen 2 Aria CV Pulmonary Hypertension System implanted in patient for first time.

World’s first patient treated with new implantable device for pulmonary hypertension

The procedure, performed on Feb. 14, was part of an early feasibility trial developed with help from the FDA.

February 29, 2024

Left, the FIRE1 heart failure remote monitoring device that gets implanted into the IVC to measure fluid volume status. Right, the external belt monitoring device worn by the patient that can alert clinicians about status changes so interventions can be done before a patient requires a hospital admission.

Early feasibility study for implantable heart failure monitor moves forward

Startup vendor FIRE1 completed patient enrollment in its U.S. early feasibility study for a heart failure remote monitoring device that directly measures fluid volume inside the IVC.

February 28, 2024

Heart Failure

Statin therapy may help HFpEF patients lower their risk of death, heart attack or stroke

Diabetic cardiomyopathy treatment shows promise in ARISE-HF

Keto diet ‘does not fulfill the criteria of a healthy diet,’ could be harmful for heart patients

Bayer subsidiary granted FDA’s fast track designation for new congestive heart failure treatment

2 out of 5 AFib patients develop heart failure later in life