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).

FDA clears advanced AI model for predicting heart failure risk
The new algorithm from Implicity evaluates implantable device data and monitors patients for changes that suggest they could experience severe heart failure symptoms in the near future. It was designed to alert clinicians up to weeks in advance.
FDA announces another new recall involving Abbott’s HeartMate 3 LVADs after 70 injuries, 2 deaths
Abbott issued the new recall after receiving more than 80 reports of blood or air entering the LVAD during implant procedures. Customers can still use these devices, but they are advised to follow specific steps to limit the risk of complications.
COVID-19 vaccines helped heart failure patients stay out of the hospital and live longer
Vaccination was linked to key benefits in terms of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, stroke, heart attack, myocarditis, venous thromboembolism and testing positive for COVID-19.
Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER
A 62-year-old women presented with severe MR and recurrent heart failure episodes. Initial data suggest the procedure was a success.
Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF
Researchers explored data from nearly 2,500 AFib ablation patients, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.

Low-cost generic programs offer CVD medications at affordable prices—but availability changes from one to the next

Programs managed by H-E-B, Kroger, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and Walmart appear to offer the most options for CVD patients. When it comes to AFib and heart failure, however, researchers believe the choices could be improved.

September 14, 2023

Arzhang Fallahi, MD, and David Hsi, MD, discussing imaging-based aortic stenosis screening

Q&A: Cardiologists explore the potential impact of a screening program for aortic stenosis

We already screen patients for breast cancer and lung cancer on a regular basis. Why not establish screening programs for aortic stenosis?

September 11, 2023

Purvi Parwani, MD, director of echocardiography, Loma Linda University Medical Center, explains the trend where heart failure imaging guidelines are driving a rising use of mixed multimodality imaging. #ASE #ASE2023

Multimodality imaging helps cardiologists manage heart failure patients—with an assist from AI

Purvi Parwani, MD, discussed the trend toward multimodality imaging for heart failure management. All modalities have their own weaknesses, she explained.

September 7, 2023

doctor with overweight patient who may be treated with TAVR or surgery

Deaths from obesity-related CVD have skyrocketed in US, especially among Black adults

According to a new analysis of more than 280,000 deaths, the number of obesity-related cardiovascular deaths in the United States tripled from 1999 to 2020.

September 6, 2023

FDA shares update on heart devices linked to multiple recalls and patient deaths

The devices, designed to provide temporary support to a patient's left ventricle, have been associated with a long list of issues in recent months.

September 1, 2023

First 10 drugs chosen by White House for Medicare price negotiations include blood thinners, heart failure meds

Medicare enrollees paid a total of $3.4 billion in out-of-pocket costs for these drugs in 2022 alone, according to new data shared by the White House.

August 29, 2023

cardiologist doctor physician patient black diverse hypertension

Weight loss drug semaglutide linked to multiple benefits for heart failure patients

Researchers think their findings, which were presented at ESC Congress 2023 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, could "change the nature of the conversation about the role of obesity in HFpEF."

August 25, 2023

amsterdam the netherlands ESC Congress 2023

ESC Congress 2023: 4 key sessions scheduled for world’s largest gathering of cardiology professionals

The four-day event in Amsterdam officially begins on Friday, Aug. 25. Read our sneak preview of some of the conference's key sessions.

August 24, 2023

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Heart Failure

FDA clears advanced AI model for predicting heart failure risk

FDA announces another new recall involving Abbott’s HeartMate 3 LVADs after 70 injuries, 2 deaths

COVID-19 vaccines helped heart failure patients stay out of the hospital and live longer

Cardiologists and surgeons perform world’s first robot-assisted TEER

Confirmed: AFib ablation more beneficial for patients with HFrEF than those with HFpEF

Around the web