Heart Failure

On December 10, 2024, cardiologists, researchers, and value-based care experts gathered in Dallas, Texas, to discuss best practices for implementing advances in cardiology care with a value-based mindset, spanning the care continuum from prevention to treatment.

Cardiologists, primary care physicians, and value-based care leaders convened in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 12, 2024, to share case studies and insights on how to align cardiology with the principles of value-based care, including through the application of digital tools.

Some of the top heart failure research looked at statins and semaglutide for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, diabetes-related heart failure risks, and the protective cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 vaccination.

Health care conferences this year showcased advancements in treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sleep apnea, discussions around health policy and economic research, and more.

Top coverage from the 2024 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress focused on screening, treatment, and equity in cardiovascular care.

A SUMMIT trial analysis showed how tirzepatide improves cardiovascular and kidney health in patients with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Of the 518 hospitals that had at least 10 eligible discharges, only 11 of them prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors to more than half of their patients.

Noninvasive liver fibrosis scoring systems may help identify who is at risk of developing heart failure.

One study suggests these drugs could increase depression risk in heart attack survivors who retained normal heart pumping function, while providing no life-saving benefit.

Carol R. Regueiro, MD, MSc, of Allegheny Health Network, described how AHN's Physician Partners of Western PA practice support model and shadow bundle distribution model enhanced collaboration between primary and specialty care to improve patient outcomes.

The history of women being left out of heart disease research has had significant consequences on heart health care today.

Women are still being excluded from cardiovascular research trials, and it has a lasting impact on heart disease treatment for women today.

UMass Memorial Health–Harrington Hospital reduced 30-day readmissions for congestive heart failure by 50% using artificial intelligence and remote care teams.

Despite being eligible for guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), tens of millions of patients across the globe are not receiving the heart failure care they need.

While previous trials have led to questions surrounding the potential benefits of valve interventions in mitral or tricuspid regurgitation, a pair of trials presented recently demonstrate their potential, Javed Butler, MD, MPH, MBA, president of the Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, said.

Inconsistent adherence to the guidelines led to delayed heart failure treatment optimization and underutilization of key therapies.

Hospitals that better utilized heart failure guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) had better patient outcomes, with lower mortality rates and costs.

In the PANORAMA-HF trial, children receiving sacubitril/valsartan for their heart failure experienced clinically meaningful improvements similar to those seen in children receiving enalapril, although the former may provide an edge on quality of life.

Martha Gulati, MD, Cedars-Sinai, discusses the topics expected to be featured at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, including a debate she's participating in about the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in primary cardiovascular disease prevention.

New research indicates that the heart benefits of semaglutide can extend to those with heart failure.

Heart failure mortality rates after hospital discharge have seen little improvement since 2010 among Medicare beneficiaries, with real-world outcomes falling short of clinical trial expectations.

A new study found that older patients with atrial functional mitral regurgitation who underwent mitral valve surgery had significantly better outcomes than those who received medical management alone, including lower rates of heart failure hospitalization and death.

The investigational therapy for heart failure (HF) with mildly reduced or preserved injection fraction met its primary end point in the phase 3 trial, Bayer announced.

The catheter-delivered implant uses the right ventricle to support the left, improving left ventricle ejection fraction and helping restore the heart’s normal shape.

A new study revealed longer heart failure hospital stays, better 30-day follow-up, and lower mortality rates in Japan compared with the US.

New studies say restricting salt intake can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in certain patients, but cannot reduce the risks of morbidity and death in patients with heart failure.

Kathryn Lindley, MD, FACC, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of bringing heart health care to patients and meeting them where they are.

New research reveals that elevated lipoprotein(a) and oxidized phospholipids are independent risk factors for early-stage heart failure progression.

Patients with the highest biologically active adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) levels at baseline were 114% more likely to die from any cause or be readmitted to the hospital for heart failure within 6 months compared with patients with the lowest levels.

It’s important for clinicians to listen to patients and know how heart disease may affect women differently than men, said Kathryn Lindley, MD, FACC, Vanderbilt University Medical Center.