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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Minor impairments in systolic function linked to heart failure, HFrEF in late life

Tracking a patient's longitudinal strain and circumferential strain may improve the ability to predict their risk of heart failure later in life. 

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FDA grants breakthrough device designation to new heart failure solution from Berlin Heals

The company also hopes to launch an early feasibility study in the United States in the near future. 

5 important tips about COVID-19 vaccines for heart failure, heart transplant patients

As more and more Americans receive their COVID-19 vaccine, heart failure patients and heart transplant recipients may have specific questions about how they should proceed.

An encouraging update: Professional athletes rarely develop heart inflammation after a mild COVID-19 infection

After tracking data for nearly 800 professional athletes, the researchers found that no adverse cardiac events were reported after a mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection.

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Healthcare groups from around the world unite to develop a standardized definition of heart failure

Current heart failure definitions are "ambiguous and lack standardization," the groups wrote.

FDA announces recall of Medtronic HVAD pump implant kits after 2 deaths, 19 serious injuries

This is a Class I recall, which means using the device can lead to serious injury or death.

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How 64% of U.S. COVID-19 hospitalizations could have been avoided

“Medical providers should educate patients who may be at risk for severe COVID-19 and consider promoting preventive lifestyle measures,” one researcher said. 

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FDA approves expanded indication for sacubitril/valsartan

Manufactured by Novartis under the name Entresto, the medication is now also approved for treating HFpEF. 

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Around the web

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Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

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New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

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