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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Genetic variant may contribute to alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Researchers have identified a genetic variant that may predispose individuals to alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM), possibly opening the door for genetic testing and familial evaluation.

High BNP levels linked to increased mortality regardless of heart failure status

High concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are equally predictive of mortality in patients with and without heart failure, according to a study published May 7 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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Hospital-to-home transitional care reduces deaths, readmissions for heart failure

The use of “virtual wards” may be helpful in preventing death and rehospitalizations for patients with congestive heart failure, according to a study published April 30 in PLOS One.

Eidos Therapeutics Initiates Phase 2 Clinical Trial for AG10 Targeting Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiomyopathy

SAN FRANCISCO, May 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Eidos Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing a novel oral therapy to treat transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTR), today announced dosing of the first patient in the Phase 2 clinical trial of AG10 in patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy.

Black heart failure patients 42% less likely to receive ICU care from cardiologists

Black Americans admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with heart failure are 42 percent less likely to receive primary care from a cardiologist, which is associated with better survival odds for all patients.

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Global longitudinal strain: A new gold standard for assessing heart failure?

A measure of global longitudinal strain (GLS) was far more predictive of mortality than left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a study of 4,172 patients with acute heart failure, demonstrating its potential as a new standard technique.

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The eyes have it? Retinal images in children may show later risk of cardiovascular disease

Poor health in adolescence can be an indicator of an individual’s future risk of cardiovascular disease. What seems like common sense, lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children can lead to structural changes in retinal blood vessels.

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JACC study: Some heart transplant centers likely to ‘game the waitlist’

Candidates for heart transplantation in the U.S. are prioritized by the intensity of treatment they’ve received, leading some centers to overtreat patients to improve their odds of getting a treasured donor heart, suggests a study published April 13 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

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