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).

Why is heart failure so common among Hispanic patients? Researchers receive $5.2M to test a new theory

The group will examine data from approximately 1,600 patients, focusing on the relationship between the heart and the aorta. 

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AI-powered platform for heart failure detection gains FDA clearance

According to data submitted to the FDA, the platform has been linked to an accuracy of 90%, sensitivity of 87.8% and specificity of 83%.

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Alternative therapies for heart failure: Health experts detail the good, the bad and the unknown

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association examined the potential impact of many therapies, including fish oil supplements, lily of the valley and yoga.

FDA changes indications for Impella RP heart pump after dramatic shift in mortality rate

The Impella RP System is still associated with significant benefits, the FDA said, but there are certain high-risk patients who should no longer be eligible for treatment.

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FDA announces another recall for troubled heart device after multiple hospitalizations

This latest recall involves the device's driveline boot cover, which “can become stiff over time” and cause problems for clinicians. There have been 33 complaints since 2017 related to the issue.

High copays keep many heart failure patients from filling needed prescriptions

Researchers examined data from more than 900 patients, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

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Adding extra salt to your food at the table associated with a greater risk of CVD, heart failure

Yes, even a little additional salt can make a big impact on a person's cardiovascular health. The full analysis was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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The power of AI: Advanced algorithm IDs heart issues using Apple Watch data

A team of Mayo Clinic specialists led the analysis, sharing their findings in Nature Medicine.

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.