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).

Zinc transport provides hint at homeostasis

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine were able to create detailed blueprints for how zinc moves through the body. In doing so, they gained valuable insights into how the body maintains homeostasis. 

November 3, 2016

4 ways men can get their sex life back after a heart attack

Several factors—from medical to mental—can inhibit sexual function in men after a major cardiac event.  

November 2, 2016

One egg a day can reduce stroke risk by 12 percent

In an attempt to put a long-standing controversy to rest, a new study provides evidence that the cholesterol found in eggs is not damaging to the heart. 

November 1, 2016

Hospitals improve adherence to heart failure guidelines regardless of teaching status

From 2005 to 2014, hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) program improved their adherence to heart failure performance measures, according to a database analysis.

October 28, 2016

These U.S. cities have the lowest rate of reported heart attacks

A new study reveals the U.S. cities with the smallest percentage of residents having heart attacks, and the data shows the cities are scattered around the country.

October 27, 2016

Study break: Cardiac arrest research sorely lacking

Published research on cardiac arrest, unlike strokes or heart attacks, is lacking—and that needs to change. 

October 27, 2016

High resting heart rate, blood pressure linked to poor mental health

Many mental health disorders are co-morbid with abnormalities in heart function and blood pressure. A new study from the University of Helsinki sought to determine if problems with heart rate and resting blood pressure precede psychiatric illness.

October 26, 2016

HeartWare recalls HVAD pumps due to potential severe health consequences

HeartWare recalled some of its HVAD ventricular assist device pumps due to a design problem that could cause serious adverse events, including death.

October 25, 2016

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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