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).

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments
CMS has issued its proposed rule for the 2025 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system, suggesting a payment increase of 2.6%. According to the American Hospital Association, this update would not be enough at a time when hospitals are already struggling to stay open.
Falls, infections much more likely among Medicare patients treated at private equity-owned hospitals
Private equity is becoming more and more influential in many healthcare specialties, including cardiology. This has prompted increased speculation about the impact such investments may have on patient outcomes.
‘A true breakthrough’: The eye-opening potential of GLP-1 agonists to treat heart, kidney disease in addition to obesity
While GLP-1 drugs were originally developed to treat diabetes, researchers keep finding additional ways these medications can potentially benefit patients.
Low-cost generic programs offer CVD medications at affordable prices—but availability changes from one to the next
Programs managed by H-E-B, Kroger, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company and Walmart appear to offer the most options for CVD patients. When it comes to AFib and heart failure, however, researchers believe the choices could be improved.
FDA shares update on heart devices linked to multiple recalls and patient deaths
The devices, designed to provide temporary support to a patient's left ventricle, have been associated with a long list of issues in recent months.

High costs limit the value of dapagliflozin, empagliflozin as heart failure treatments

SGLT2 inhibitors such as dapagliflozin and empagliflozin are associated with improved outcomes among many heart failure patients. The medications are not cost-effective, however, limiting their overall value. Read the full economic analysis to learn more.

March 8, 2023

Heart failure specialist Sean Pinney named new chief of cardiology at Mount Sinai Morningside

The move represents a return of sorts for Pinney, who served Mount Sinai in a variety of leadership roles from 2004 to 2020.

March 1, 2023

Tim Attebery, DSc, MBA, the CEO of Cardiovascular Associates of America and former CEO of the American College of Cardiology (ACC)

Q&A: Tim Attebery on why private equity-backed management companies are investing in cardiology

The CEO of Cardiovascular Associates of America, and former CEO of the American College of Cardiology, shared his perspective on the rise of private equity investments in cardiology.

February 22, 2023

AI specialists ink deal with Pfizer to target cardiac amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis can be especially challenging to identify and diagnose, making it a perfect target for advanced AI models.

December 20, 2022

Tablet projecting metaphorical medical hologram

AI-powered platform for heart failure detection gains FDA clearance

According to data submitted to the FDA, the platform has been linked to an accuracy of 90%, sensitivity of 87.8% and specificity of 83%.

December 8, 2022

High copays keep many heart failure patients from filling needed prescriptions

Researchers examined data from more than 900 patients, presenting their findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

December 1, 2022

The power of AI: Advanced algorithm IDs heart issues using Apple Watch data

A team of Mayo Clinic specialists led the analysis, sharing their findings in Nature Medicine.

November 23, 2022

AI-powered ECG screening boosts patient outcomes—when clinicians give it a chance

New research out of Mayo Clinic found that clinicians who listened to AI-based treatment recommendations were more successful at identifying patients with low ejection fraction.

November 3, 2022

Around the web

AI in Healthcare

Biden Administration itemizes AI accomplishments to date

Half a year after President Biden officially directed federal agencies in the executive branch’s bailiwick to “seize the promise and manage the risks” of AI, the White House has posted a status report.

Cardiovascular Business

‘Concerning’ data connect industry payments to cardiologists with medical device use

U.S. physicians often receive payments from medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies. New research in JAMA found a connection between receiving such payments and using specific devices—should the industry be concerned?

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine

Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.

Heart Failure

Critics call out ‘woefully inadequate’ CMS proposal for inpatient Medicare payments

Falls, infections much more likely among Medicare patients treated at private equity-owned hospitals

‘A true breakthrough’: The eye-opening potential of GLP-1 agonists to treat heart, kidney disease in addition to obesity

Low-cost generic programs offer CVD medications at affordable prices—but availability changes from one to the next

FDA shares update on heart devices linked to multiple recalls and patient deaths

Around the web