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).

vaccine

An encouraging update: Young adults with vaccine-related heart damage see all symptoms resolve

“Given the potential morbidity of COVID-19 infection even in younger adults, the risk-benefit decision for vaccination remains highly favorable," researchers wrote.

June 18, 2021
Old doctor

Heart failure patients see long-term benefits after cell therapy

"This is a very important advance in the field of cell therapy and in the management of heart failure," one specialist said. 

June 15, 2021
A doctor speaking with a patient

Abbott prepared for influx of new patients in wake of Medtronic’s announcement, FDA’s recommendation

In a recent advisory, the FDA specifically mentioned Abbott's HeartMate 3 LVAD as an effective alternative to Medtronic's HVAD system. 

June 4, 2021

Medtronic stops sales and distribution of HVAD system due to multiple issues, including 14 patient deaths

The device's internal pump was associated with a heightened risk of adverse outcomes, including stroke and death. 

June 3, 2021
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new patient-friendly breast cancer screening guidelines

19% of heart attack survivors develop heart failure within 5 years

Patients with chronic kidney disease face an especially high risk of developing new-onset heart failure after discharge. 

May 28, 2021
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Landmark discovery provides clinicians with a ‘valuable clinical tool’ for diagnosing myocarditis

Researchers believe they have found the first blood biomarker for diagnosing myocarditis, sharing their findings in the New England Journal of Medicine.

May 27, 2021
Old doctor

Dapagliflozin a cost-effective treatment for HFrEF at its current price point

Researchers found that the SGLT2 inhibitor had similar value among patients with and without diabetes, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.

May 27, 2021
Cardiologist heart

The greatest benefit: Omecamtiv mecarbil improves outcomes the most for patients with severe heart failure

Researchers explored data from the GALACTIC-HF trial to evaluate how the severity of a patient's reduced ejection fraction impacts the benefits of omecamtiv mecarbil.

May 17, 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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