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).

How private equity influences care for heart failure patients
Overall, 30-day outcomes were not significantly different for hospitals after being acquired by a private equity firm. However, the study’s authors did identify trends that suggest there may be a drop in the quality of care.
FDA sees promise in new total artificial heart technology, granting it ‘breakthrough’ status
The device was built as a bridge to transplant for patients with end-stage heart failure. It is made of titanium and approximately the size of an adult’s fist.
FDA wants new heart damage warnings added to COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a very low risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis, primarily in young adults. The long-term impact of this risk has been the subject of many studies and debates over the years. One side says that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and the other side says that even the smallest risk of heart damage is too high.
2 out of 5 heart failure patients are not seeing a cardiologist
Even seeing a cardiologist once per year can help these patients elevate their long-term survival. Many stay home, however, missing out on potentially life-saving guidance and/or treatment.
Duke specialists to detail the benefits of treating heart failure with Barostim
Specialists with Duke University Medical System will participate in a free webinar focused on their experience treating heart failure with the implantable Barostim technology from CVRx.

How private equity influences care for heart failure patients

Overall, 30-day outcomes were not significantly different for hospitals after being acquired by a private equity firm. However, the study’s authors did identify trends that suggest there may be a drop in the quality of care.

Surgeons in Houston have performed the world’s first successful human implant of BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart (TAH) technology. The procedure was completed July 9, 2024, at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. It was part of an early feasibility study (EFS) first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in December 2023.

FDA sees promise in new total artificial heart technology, granting it ‘breakthrough’ status

The device was built as a bridge to transplant for patients with end-stage heart failure. It is made of titanium and approximately the size of an adult’s fist.

COVID-19 vaccine vaccination myocarditis heart damage inflammation RSNA imaging radiology cardiology

FDA wants new heart damage warnings added to COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a very low risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis, primarily in young adults. The long-term impact of this risk has been the subject of many studies and debates over the years. One side says that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, and the other side says that even the smallest risk of heart damage is too high.

doctor patient elderly check up hospital

2 out of 5 heart failure patients are not seeing a cardiologist

Even seeing a cardiologist once per year can help these patients elevate their long-term survival. Many stay home, however, missing out on potentially life-saving guidance and/or treatment.

Duke specialists to detail the benefits of treating heart failure with Barostim

Specialists with Duke University Medical System will participate in a free webinar focused on their experience treating heart failure with the implantable Barostim technology from CVRx.

Many attendees shot selfies in front of the the massive heart on display in the Cytokinetic booth at AHA 2022.

New drug for obstructive HCM outperforms the current standard of care

Cytokinetics announced positive results from a new clinical trial comparing aficamten monotherapy to the beta blocker metoprolol.

Smaller LV dimensions may increase risk of death for HeartMate 3 LVAD patients

Researchers tracked short- and long-term data from nearly 2,000 patients, presenting their findings in JACC: Heart Failure.

tirzepatide injections Zepbound Eli Lilly

Tirzepatide bests semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and heart failure

Researchers examined data from more than 9,000 patients, sharing their findings at SCAI 2025.

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