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).

Clinical illustration showing the types of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Lisa Salberg, CEO of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) explains how the group has helped improve HCM patient care. #HCM #Hypertrophiccardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association has helped advance HCM care

The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) has helped guide and advance HCM care not only for patients, but also for hospitals and physicians. 

August 2, 2023
Mayo Clinic was listed the No. 3 top cardiovascular hospital in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

The 25 best U.S. cardiology hospitals ranked

U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of heart hospitals named Cleveland Clinic No. 1, once again, but there were many changes among the other top 25 hospitals. 

August 2, 2023
the words "FDA recall" on a board

FDA announces recall of nearly 8,000 Impella blood pumps due to risk of injury or death in TAVR patients

There have been 30 complaints so far about this issue, including 26 injuries and four deaths.

July 27, 2023
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare. Sex differences in TAVR one-year mortality.

Atrial fibrillation after TAVR linked to much higher risk of death, heart failure

Researchers tracked data from nearly 7,000 TAVR patients for two years, focusing on all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalizations.

July 26, 2023
the words "FDA recall" on a board

Medtronic recalls nearly 350,000 implantable heart devices after 22 injuries

The FDA has categorized this as a Class I recall, meaning the use of these devices could cause serious injuries or death.”

July 18, 2023
Artificial intelligence (AI) model using chest x-rays to evaluate cardiac function

No echocardiography, no problem? AI evaluates cardiac function using chest X-rays

Researchers think their new AI model could be especially helpful in areas where qualified physicians and/or ultrasound technology are in short supply.

July 13, 2023
Mediterranean diet keto diet

Keto diet could be good for heart failure patients, but many questions remain

A team of specialists from the Cleveland Clinic detailed the potential benefits—and risks—associated with following a ketogenic diet to address heart failure symptoms. The group recommended borrowing heavily from the Mediterranean diet and avoiding heavily processed "keto-friendly" products. 

July 13, 2023
IVUS guidance during DES implantation boosts long-term outcomes in new study

Heart failure symptoms after PCI increase risk of adverse events

Researchers in Japan tracked BNP levels and bleeding events among more than 7,000 PCI patients. The group noted that managing heart failure in the first 30 days after PCI can help boost outcomes. 

July 7, 2023

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