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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David Bennett

Pig heart transplant patient dies 2 months after historic procedure

The 57-year-old patient was able to communicate with his family in his final hours. 

David Bennett with two of his physical therapists at the University of Maryland Medical Center

Pig heart transplant patient doing well weeks after procedure—he even watched the Super Bowl

The 57-year-old patient is working with physical therapists on a daily basis, according to a recent update from the University of Maryland Medical Center. 

CRT-D

CRT-D associated with major improvements among older HFrEF patients

The study's authors said CRT use among older patients represents a "major gap in knowledge." 

How COVID-19 vaccination affects the risk of ED visits for cardiac, respiratory issues

The study's authors said their research “further highlights the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine overall.”

FDA approves empagliflozin for reducing risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization among adult HFpEF patients

The SGLT2 inhibitor, already approved for some high-risk heart failure patients, has now received a much wider approval. 

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Abbott implantable heart failure monitor gains expanded FDA approval

An estimated 1.2 million additional patients are now candidates for the company's small CardioMEMs HF monitor. 

Empagliflozin helps heart failure patients stay out of the hospital

The study's authors focused on data from the previously completed EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPERIOR-Preserved trials.

The Corvia Atrial Shunt is designed to address elevated left atrial pressure (LAP) heart failure patients.

Implantable atrial shunt therapy trial identifies treatable HFpEF patients

The REDUCE LAP-HF II study identified heart failure patients who may benefit from receiving a new transcatheter implant manufactured by Corvia Medical.

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