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).

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ACC.17: ‘Awareness is key’: Researchers link Zika to negative cardiovascular effects

While Zika is most closely linked to causing severe birth defects in babies born from mothers with the virus, new research that will be presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC)’s 66th Annual Scientific Session beginning on March 17 provides evidence that the virus could have detrimental effects on the heart.

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Risk scale can predict adverse events in heart failure patients, reduce hospital admissions

A tool that predicts adverse events in acute heart failure patients made by researchers at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada, was shown to be effective and sufficient for use in clinical practice.

The heart uses hydraulics to function—yes, just like a car

It turns out your heart could oddly have something in common with your car: They both use hydraulics to function properly. 

Massachusetts healthcare network opens heart failure clinic

Cape Cod Healthcare in Hyannis, Massachusetts, has opened a new heart failure clinic to serve people in the community who may be at risk or have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, reports Cape Cod Today.

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Numeracy assessments clarify when heart attack patients decide to call for help

When a person suddenly becomes the victim of a life-threatening health crisis, how quickly they seek medical attention can determine how the severity of their condition escalates and can sometimes be the difference between life and death.

Country music superstar Martina McBride joins mayour Megan Barry + Women's Heart Alliance to stop heart disease and stroke among women in Nashville

The Cities and Communities with Heart Initiative Nashville brings the community together to stop the #1 killer of women 

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AHA, Bayer offer grant program for research on heart failure, other conditions

The American Heart Association (AHA) and Germany-based Bayer have announced a collaboration to complete research on cerebral small vessel disease, chronic kidney disease and heart failure.

Mayo Clinic, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia announce rare congenital heart defect collaboration

Mayo Clinic’s Todd and Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia are collaborating to delay and prevent heart failure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare and complex form of congenital heart disease in which the left side of a child's heart is severely underdeveloped.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.