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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FDA: Temporary artificial heart linked to excess mortality, stroke risk

The FDA on Aug. 17 sent a letter warning cardiologists about high mortality and stroke rates associated with the Temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t) Companion 2 Driver System during a post-approval study.

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How deadly is Takotsubo syndrome? It depends on the trigger

Originally thought to be a benign condition, Takotsubo syndrome is associated with long-term outcomes similar to acute coronary syndrome (ACS), researchers reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. And in cases where Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is triggered by physical events, prognosis is even worse.

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Researchers ID potential genetic marker for tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy

Japanese researchers believe they’ve identified a genetic risk marker that could pinpoint which people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) are at risk of developing tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.

Sodium restrictive diet associated with decrease in HF-related readmissions

Home-delivered sodium-restricted Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH/SRD) meals after heart failure (HF) hospitalizations appeared safe in some patients, has the potential to improve HF symptoms and can reduce readmissions, according to new research in Circulation: Heart Failure.

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Study: Emphysema and heart failure a deadly combination

In a single-center study of smokers with heart failure, those who also had emphysema identified by CT were twice as likely to be rehospitalized for heart failure in the following two years.

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Cardiac monitoring may protect high-risk breast cancer patients against heart failure

While heart failure (HF) is an uncommon complication of breast cancer, a new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology notes individuals treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy have a higher risk for HF—but they are not monitored for it, despite recommendations.

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Heart failure follow-up program improves outcomes, lowers costs

A program designed to provide rapid follow-up visits to heart failure patients after hospital discharge improved 30-day survival, reduced readmissions and saved money, according to a retrospective study published in the American Journal of Medical Quality.

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Protein could help prevent Duchenne cardiomyopathy

A protein known to protect brain function in the setting of Duchenne muscular dystrophy may also have a positive impact on the heart, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiovascular Sciences scientific sessions on Aug. 1 in San Antonio.

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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

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.