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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Saxagliptin’s heart failure finding prompts FDA review

The FDA is reviewing trial data for the diabetes drug saxagliptin after a published study found an increased rate of hospitalization for heart failure with treatment.

Israel Ministry of Health approves clinical trials for BioControl Medical's CardioFit(r) System in heart failure

BioControl Medical, a medical device company headquartered in Yehud, Israel, has received approval from the Israel Ministry of Health to conduct clinical trial of its CardioFit(r) system in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) as part of INOVATE-HF. With the approval, Israel will join European countries and the United States to participate in the company's third phase of INOVATE-HF (INcrease Of VAgal TonE in Heart Failure), a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved investigational device exemption (IDE) study of CardioFit being conducted in 80 centers worldwide.

Serelaxin hits roadblock in Europe

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended that serelaxin not be approved as a treatment to relieve symptoms in patients with acute heart failure. The European committee’s decision could influence an FDA panel that will review the drug’s application in February.

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Readmission Penalties: RNs to the Rescue

As the Affordable Care Act continues rolling out, preventable readmissions will cost hospitals even more. 

Texas Children's Hospital named first accredited pediatric heart failure institute in Texas

Texas Children's Hospital is proud to be named the first Accredited Pediatric Heart Failure Institute in Texas by The Healthcare Accreditation Colloquium.

Innovative program doubles patient engagement, cuts heart failure readmission rate in half

A San Diego medical group's disease management program increased patient engagement rates from 28% to 67%, leading to a decline in both hospitalizations and 30-day readmissions for program participants. In recognition of its innovative chronic care program, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers received the 2013 Doyle Award from MCG (formerly Milliman Care Guidelines), a leading provider of clinical guidelines to payor and provider markets.

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Despite decline in use, rates of digoxin toxicity still high

Although clinicians use digoxin less frequently as newer, safer agents start taking its place, toxicity has not decreased, which suggests the need for better management and monitoring of the drug, according to a study published online Dec. 3 in Circulation: Heart Failure. 

Higher heart rates at discharge linked to readmissions, death

Heart failure patients who have higher heart rates at discharge may face a higher risk of dying or being readmitted within 30 days, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in Circulation: Heart Failure.

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