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).

RSS icon
Cardiologist heart

A possible remedy for cardiology’s staffing shortages: heart failure internists

Internal medicine physicians spend a lot of time working with heart failure patients. A new commentary in JACC: Heart Failure explored the potential impact of providing IM trainees with special training so that they can deliver additional value.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Abiomed is recalling its instructions for certain Impella left-sided blood pumps due to significant safety concerns. New and revised instructions for use (IFU) have been sent to all affected customers.

FDA announces new recall impacting more than 66,000 Impella heart pumps after 49 deaths

More than 100 patients have been seriously injured as a result of a significant safety concern. The Impella devices can still be used, according to the recall, if customers refer to Abiomed's new and revised instructions for use.

COVID-19 vaccine vaccination myocarditis heart damage inflammation RSNA imaging radiology cardiology

‘Highly effective’: COVID-19 vaccines reduced risk of heart failure, other cardiovascular complications after infection

Researchers explored data from more than 20 million adults for the new study, tracking both short- and long-term outcomes. 

New DCD heart transplant technique could reduce risk of serious injury

This new approach to transplanting deceased after circulatory death (DCD) hearts may offer significant benefits.

Cognitive impairment among heart failure patients: How cardiologists can help

The Heart Failure Society of America shared a new scientific statement about this topic, noting that many patients may require additional help.

Thumbnail

Abbott recalls device for tracking LVAD data after 8 injuries

This is a Class I recall, which means using the device “may cause serious injuries or death.” However, the FDA emphasized that this is a correction and not a product removal.

Thumbnail

Family man from Netherlands named world’s longest-surviving heart transplant recipient

The 57-year-old father of two is still in good health decades after receiving a new heart. 

Gen 2 Aria CV Pulmonary Hypertension System implanted in patient for first time.

World’s first patient treated with new implantable device for pulmonary hypertension

The procedure, performed on Feb. 14, was part of an early feasibility trial developed with help from the FDA.

Displaying 73 - 80 of 1270

Around the web

Health Imaging
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.

Health Imaging
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.