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).

Elderly patient doctor. Despite an expanded indication from the FDA and lower prices, patient access to these cholesterol-lowering medications remains a significant issue.

Cognitive impairment among heart failure patients: How cardiologists can help

The Heart Failure Society of America shared a new scientific statement about this topic, noting that many patients may require additional help.

March 13, 2024
Recall | Product recall

Abbott recalls device for tracking LVAD data after 8 injuries

This is a Class I recall, which means using the device “may cause serious injuries or death.” However, the FDA emphasized that this is a correction and not a product removal.

March 11, 2024
heart

Family man from Netherlands named world’s longest-surviving heart transplant recipient

The 57-year-old father of two is still in good health decades after receiving a new heart. 

March 4, 2024
Gen 2 Aria CV Pulmonary Hypertension System implanted in patient for first time.

World’s first patient treated with new implantable device for pulmonary hypertension

The procedure, performed on Feb. 14, was part of an early feasibility trial developed with help from the FDA.

February 29, 2024
Left, the FIRE1 heart failure remote monitoring device that gets implanted into the IVC to measure fluid volume status. Right, the external belt monitoring device worn by the patient that can alert clinicians about status changes so interventions can be done before a patient requires a hospital admission. 

Early feasibility study for implantable heart failure monitor moves forward 

Startup vendor FIRE1 completed patient enrollment in its U.S. early feasibility study for a heart failure remote monitoring device that directly measures fluid volume inside the IVC.

February 28, 2024
Regularly eating avocados is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Top 5 diets for heart health: Expert panel puts Mediterranean, DASH at the top

The Ornish diet, a plant-based option developed to help prevent heart disease, also made the final ranking. 

February 26, 2024
Multiple factors can interfere with pulse oximetry accuracy including skin pigmentation. Multiple studies have shown the inaccuracy of current pulse oximeters in patients with darker skin tones than whites, often over estimating their oxygenation when in fact they are hypoxic. Images courtesy of Masimo.

Inaccurate pulse oximeter readings impact Black heart failure patients and FDA plans to address this

Black patients are already less likely to receive LVADs or transplants compared to whites, and these inaccurate readings can further widen the disparities.

February 21, 2024
The Reprieve System using intelligent software and automation to manage diuretic dosing and fluid replacement for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Heart failure startup emerges with $42 million in financing for its intelligent fluid management system

Reprieve Cardiovascular emerged from stealth mode this week with sizable financial backing and some big name board members to advance development for its intelligent, automated diuretic and fluid management system for heart failure.

February 21, 2024

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