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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Abbott launches new clinical trial focused on treating AFib, heart failure at the same time

The TAP-CHF trial is expected to enroll up to 100 AFib patients with a history of HFpEF. 

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Exposure to secondhand smoke leads to a 35% higher risk of heart failure

The full analysis is scheduled to be presented May 16 at ACC.21.

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Heart failure patients face a substantial risk of pneumonia

The study's authors explored data from two different clinical trials, focusing on patients with HFrEF and HFpEF.

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New guidelines focus on the management of heart failure patients with secondary mitral regurgitation

The Heart Failure Association, European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, European Heart Rhythm Association and European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions all collaborated on the position statement.

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How prior hospitalizations affect a heart failure patient’s chances of survival

New research out of Duke University provides a fresh perspective on the connection between prior hospitalizations for heart failure and all-cause mortality. 

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Dapagliflozin provides significant benefits for both male and female heart failure patients

The findings, published in JAMA Cardiology, confirm that dapagliflozin is a safe, effective treatment option for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

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How patient-reported data compare to NYHA classifications for evaluating heart failure

The study’s authors tracked data from more than 2,800 patients with HFrEF, sharing their findings in JAMA Cardiology.

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American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association share updated heart failure guidance

The guidance, an update to a similar document from 2005, was published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

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Around the web

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Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

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New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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