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).

artificial intelligence pharmaceutical industry

FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

Surgeons in Houston have performed the world’s first successful human implant of BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart (TAH) technology. The procedure was completed July 9, 2024, at The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. It was part of an early feasibility study (EFS) first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in December 2023.

‘Incredibly rewarding’: FDA expands total artificial heart study after early success

An additional 15 patients will now receive BiVacor's titanium total artificial heart technology as they wait for a permanent transplant.

Left: Petr Neužil, MD, PhD, head of the department of cardiology at Na Homolce Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic / Right: Vivek Y. Reddy, MD, director of cardiac arrhythmia services at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City

Cardiologists perform world’s first leadless LBBAP procedures with Abbott pacemaker

The first-in-human procedures were performed in Prague with the investigational Aveir CSP leadless pacemaker system.

cardiologists evaluating the human heart to provide a treatment strategy

Cardiologists work to standardize the diagnosis and management of acute myocarditis

New expert recommendations from the American College of Cardiology were designed to help cardiologists, primary care physicians, emergency physicians, rheumatologists and other clinicians deliver the best care possible when managing suspected myocarditis. 

FDA approves J&J MedTech’s Impella heart pumps to treat pediatric patients

Johnson & Johnson MedTech partnered with the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network to confirm these devices could safely and effectively treat younger patients. 

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Genetic predisposition to depression increases CVD risk in women, but not men

The heightened risks were even seen in women who were never diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. It remains unclear why the same trend was not seen in men.

Cardiothoracic surgeons at Emory University Hospital have implanted the BrioVAD System, a new type of ventricular assist device (VAD) from BrioHealth Solutions, for the very first time in the United States.

Surgeons make history with first US implant of new magnetically suspended heart pump

Cardiothoracic surgeons at Emory University Hospital implanted the BrioVAD System, a new type of ventricular assist device from BrioHealth Solutions, for the very first time in the United States. The advanced technology, designed to minimize adverse events and improve quality of life, has been under development since 2008. 

artificial intelligence AI heart cardiology

Medtronic using AI to identify more TAVR patients in need

Medtronic has launched new research into AI's potential to identify patients with severe aortic stenosis and other worrying symptoms. The company hopes to overcome longstanding health disparities and reach individuals who may otherwise go untreated.

Around the web

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

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