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).

Large peridevice leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) are incredibly rare and not associated with a greater risk of adverse outcomes, according to new research published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.[1] Smaller residual links are more common, however, and associated with a risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events.

SGLT2 inhibitors associated with consistent cardiovascular benefits

The study's authors explored data from six different randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

October 7, 2020
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How treating AFib with catheter ablation affects patients with heart failure

One key finding reported by the research team was a substantial decrease in AFib readmissions. 

September 30, 2020

Chemotherapy could be damaging children’s heart cells, leading to problems later in life

The researchers think their findings may explain why so many cancer survivors go on to experience heart failure.

September 30, 2020
cellular map

Up close and personal: Detailed cellular map of the heart offers ‘a goldmine of information’

The map, part of a study published in Nature, can provide new details about cellular structure and how cells interact with one another. It could even help with the treatment of COVID-19. 

September 24, 2020
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Patient outcomes stay the same when heart transplants are from severely obese donors

No significant differences were detected when it came to post-transplant outcomes, one-year survival or long-term mortality. 

September 16, 2020
heart stem cell research lab

New discovery could make stem cells much more effective at repairing heart damage

“We think we’ve found a way to quiet that inflammatory environment, giving stem cells a chance to survive and do the healing work we know they can do,” one researcher said. 

September 10, 2020

Penn State doctor clarifies surprising comments about myocarditis and COVID-19

Myocarditis continues to make headlines in the world of college athletics. 

September 4, 2020

Why some heart attack patients are at a greater risk of post-discharge heart failure

Cardiologists may way want to pay close attention to a new study published in the American Journal of Cardiology.

September 3, 2020

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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