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.

A patient has a telehealth visit with their doctor remotely in their home via video conferencing. The COVID-19 cause massive movement to telehealth since 2020.

Telehealth provided value for heart failure patients during COVID-19 pandemic

Overall, researchers found, 30-day readmission was less common when heart failure patients used telehealth to check in with a physician after discharge.

March 14, 2022

Pfizer finalizes $6.7 billion acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals, gaining key cardiovascular treatments

Etrasimod, an oral medication developed to treat certain inflammatory conditions, was at the center of Pfizer’s acquisition, but some key cardiovascular assets were also part of the transaction.

March 14, 2022

Pig heart transplant patient dies 2 months after historic procedure

The 57-year-old patient was able to communicate with his family in his final hours.

March 9, 2022

Machine learning predicts drug cardiotoxicity

Machine learning is playing a key role in predicting all major forms of drug cardiotoxicity, potentially helping reduce late-stage clinical trial failures.

June 10, 2020

Around the web

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.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologists, thoracic surgeons applaud FTC’s ban of most noncompete clauses

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons have both shared statements in support of the ban, which is already being challenged in court. The American Hospital Association, meanwhile, opposes the policy shift, saying it “errs by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule”

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