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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Novo Nordisk to acquire biotech company working on new heart failure drug for $1.1B

Cardior Pharmaceuticals in Germany has been developing a new compound it says can “halt and partially reverse cellular pathology” in heart failure patients. 

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A possible remedy for cardiology’s staffing shortages: heart failure internists

Internal medicine physicians spend a lot of time working with heart failure patients. A new commentary in JACC: Heart Failure explored the potential impact of providing IM trainees with special training so that they can deliver additional value.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Abiomed is recalling its instructions for certain Impella left-sided blood pumps due to significant safety concerns. New and revised instructions for use (IFU) have been sent to all affected customers.

FDA announces new recall impacting more than 66,000 Impella heart pumps after 49 deaths

More than 100 patients have been seriously injured as a result of a significant safety concern. The Impella devices can still be used, according to the recall, if customers refer to Abiomed's new and revised instructions for use.

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‘Highly effective’: COVID-19 vaccines reduced risk of heart failure, other cardiovascular complications after infection

Researchers explored data from more than 20 million adults for the new study, tracking both short- and long-term outcomes. 

New DCD heart transplant technique could reduce risk of serious injury

This new approach to transplanting deceased after circulatory death (DCD) hearts may offer significant benefits.

Cognitive impairment among heart failure patients: How cardiologists can help

The Heart Failure Society of America shared a new scientific statement about this topic, noting that many patients may require additional help.

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Abbott recalls device for tracking LVAD data after 8 injuries

This is a Class I recall, which means using the device “may cause serious injuries or death.” However, the FDA emphasized that this is a correction and not a product removal.

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Family man from Netherlands named world’s longest-surviving heart transplant recipient

The 57-year-old father of two is still in good health decades after receiving a new heart. 

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