Putting a stop to boomerang heart failure readmissions may require a sympathetic ear in the emergency department (ED). One pilot test has shown that it is possible to identify patients’ barriers to self-care, even in a busy ED setting.

The FDA granted Abiomed a Humanitarian Device Exemption for a percutaneous single-access heart pump for patients who develop right heart failure or decompensation.

Call it Monday morning quarterbacking, but with the chance to actually change the game. Based on one study, hospitals likely will see in uptick in heart failure admissions after Super Bowl Sunday—but cardiologists still have time to coach their patients to play it smart.

A look into cardiomyocytes and DNA damage response may offer new hope for patients with heart failure. Long-term use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) may encourage the heart to repair itself at a cellular level.

A little nip may not hurt the heart. Secondary analysis of Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities data found moderate drinkers had lower risk for cardiovascular events than those who had more to drink or abstained. Findings were similar for both men and women.

The recipient of a total artificial heart implanted in August is home and “living a completely normal life now,” according to the French surgeon who invented the device. The patient exercises by “pedaling like crazy” on a stationary bike.

Take it with a grain of salt: In older adults, self-reported sodium intake was not associated with risk for cardiovascular disease, heart failure and mortality, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

With Medicare penalties now at 3 percent for 30-day heart failure readmissions, many hospitals are eager to find opportunities to improve outcomes. Based on a study published online Jan. 13, discharge summaries might fit the bill.