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).

16% of heart failure patients delay or skip treatment—many for financial reasons

A majority of patients delaying care came from a low-income household.

August 16, 2021
A doctor speaking with a patient

TMVR outcomes suffer when patients have heart failure and diabetes—but benefits remain

Overall, the authors emphasized, TMVR helped heart failure patients with and without diabetes.

August 9, 2021
Recall | Product recall

FDA announces recall of 48,000 Boston Scientific pacemakers, CRT-Ps

This is a Class I recall, which means the issue can lead to serious injury or death.

August 6, 2021
hospital emergency room

Missed opportunities: Early heart failure diagnoses often overlooked in outpatient setting

“Making these diagnoses earlier could allow for urgent intervention, preventing the cardiac remodeling and organ dysfunction that accompany delays in treatment,” the study's authors said. 

August 3, 2021
Tablet projecting metaphorical medical hologram

Early rhythm control therapy beneficial for AFib patients with suspected heart failure

According to the study's authors, their findings suggest that "all patients with signs or symptoms of heart failure should be considered for rhythm control therapy within a year of being diagnosed with AFib."

August 2, 2021
IVUS guidance during DES implantation boosts long-term outcomes in new study

Dapagliflozin associated with better long-term outcomes for HFrEF patients

Findings from the study may be helpful in conveying the benefits of dapagliflozin treatment to patients with HFrEF, the authors said. 

July 30, 2021

Digital solution for heart failure gains FDA’s breakthrough device designation

The digital therapeutic helps patients follow recommended treatment guidelines by monitoring their health data, connecting them to healthcare providers and personalizing their treatment when necessary.

July 29, 2021
While a vast majority of heart transplants in the United States are successful, unplanned hospitalizations after the procedures are still incredibly common. Top 10 reasons for readmission after heart transplant.

Hearts from donors with a history of drug use are safe for transplant

"We thought that illicit drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine, which can lead to heart attacks, would prove to be dangerous,” one researcher said. "However, we were wrong."

July 29, 2021

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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