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 clears advanced AI model for predicting heart failure risk
The new algorithm from Implicity evaluates implantable device data and monitors patients for changes that suggest they could experience severe heart failure symptoms in the near future. It was designed to alert clinicians up to weeks in advance.
FDA announces another new recall involving Abbott’s HeartMate 3 LVADs after 70 injuries, 2 deaths
Abbott issued the new recall after receiving more than 80 reports of blood or air entering the LVAD during implant procedures. Customers can still use these devices, but they are advised to follow specific steps to limit the risk of complications.
COVID-19 vaccines helped heart failure patients stay out of the hospital and live longer
Vaccination was linked to key benefits in terms of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, stroke, heart attack, myocarditis, venous thromboembolism and testing positive for COVID-19.
Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER
A 62-year-old women presented with severe MR and recurrent heart failure episodes. Initial data suggest the procedure was a success.
Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF
Researchers explored data from nearly 2,500 AFib ablation patients, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.

AFib ablation makes financial sense, especially among heart failure patients

The additional costs associated with AFib ablation appear to be justified, researchers wrote.

July 1, 2022

New research out of the Yale School of Public Health suggests that patients taking beta-blockers or antiplatelet medications may want to be extra careful in warmer weather.

Why aren't more people discussing heart failure?

An analysis of public discourse shows that cancer, and even potholes, are more widely discussed in British parliament than heart failure.

June 30, 2022

AFib after surgery could be a warning sign of heart failure

Researchers studied data from more than three million patients, including approximately 76,000 who underwent heart surgery.

June 29, 2022

Cancer survivors face a 42% higher risk of CVD

More aggressive CVD prevention tactics may make sense for people who have had certain types of cancer.

June 29, 2022

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5 ways to improve care for heart failure patients with limited English proficiency

Researchers interviewed professional medical interpreters, sharing some of the lessons they learned in JACC: Heart Failure.

June 28, 2022

New details on the pig heart transplant patient's death, from the doctors who treated him

Doctors involved with the historic procedure shared key details about their experience in the New England Journal of Medicine.

June 27, 2022

The American Medical Association (AMA) has declared climate change as a major healthcare emergency. Sunrises and sunsets have become increasingly red in recent years with additional particulate matter in the atmosphere from larger, massive wild fires. Photo by Dave Fornell

Killer heat: How climate change could lead to more cardiovascular deaths

A new study to examine the relationship between extreme-heat events and cardiovascular mortality found that the hottest days can indeed be deadly.

June 24, 2022

FDA announces another recall for troubled heart device after a patient death

This latest recall involves the device's batteries, which are separating due to a "welding defect."

June 23, 2022

Heart Failure

FDA clears advanced AI model for predicting heart failure risk

FDA announces another new recall involving Abbott’s HeartMate 3 LVADs after 70 injuries, 2 deaths

COVID-19 vaccines helped heart failure patients stay out of the hospital and live longer

Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER

Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF