Heart Failure Crisis: Rising Mortality, Racial Disparities, and Systemic Challenges in the United States
The HF Stats 2024: Heart Failure Epidemiology and Outcomes Statistics reveals alarming trends in heart failure (HF) in the United States. Younger adults (ages 35-64) are increasingly affected, with rising mortality rates that surpass those of older adults. In 2021, HF-related deaths reached 425,147, accounting for 45% of cardiovascular deaths, with a notable surge during the pandemic.
Sacubitril/Valsartan Outperforms Enalapril in Reducing Heart Failure Mortality
The PARADIGM-HF trial showed that sacubitril/valsartan was superior to enalapril in treating patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
Scoring System Enhances Early Identification of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in Primary Care Settings
A study introduced a new scoring system to effectively identify patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF).
Study Links PM2.5 Exposure to Increased Risks in Patients With Heart Failure
A study found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to increased adverse events in Medicare beneficiaries with preexisting heart failure (HF).
Podcast: A Heart Transplant Recipient’s Journey
Each month, the Heart Failure Society of America’s Heart Failure Beat features candid conversations with heart failure clinicians about daily challenges, breakthroughs in research, treatment, career development, and more. The podcast is designed for cardiologists, clinicians, and trainees, as well as anyone else interested in heart failure news from leading experts.
Key Updates from the AHA/ACC/HFSA Heart Failure Management Guidelines
In episode #200 of Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast, special co-host Dr. Mark Belkin and the Journal of Cardiac Failure team discuss the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure. Editors Dr. Robert Mentz, Dr. Anu Lala, and FIT editors highlight patient-centered updates and practice-changing guidance for diagnosing and managing heart failure, including newer therapeutics like SGLT2 inhibitors, emphasizing holistic care and improved patient outcomes.
GDMT in Heart Failure Cases, Emphasizing Beta Blockers and Titration Strategies
In episode #209 of Cardionerds: A Cardiology Podcast, Drs. Karan Desai, Natalie Stokes, and Tiffany Dong join Dr. Randall Starling to discuss guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) through real cases. In one case, a man with genetic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) experienced worsening symptoms.
Study Finds EAT-Lancet Diet Reduces Heart Failure Risk in Long-Term Analysis
Researchers explored the impact of the EAT-Lancet diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods and limits sugar and animal products, on heart failure risk. In an analysis of more than 23,000 participants with a median follow-up of 25 years, the study found that higher adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was associated with a decreased risk of developing heart failure.
Nurse Practitioners and Managing Patients With Heart Failure
Researchers investigated the capacity of nurse practitioners (NPs) in managing the complexities of heart failure (HF) patients through a multifaceted approach. Other studies have demonstrated that NP care in HF results in reduced readmissions, timely visits, decreased costs, and improved quality outcomes. Researchers concluded that NPs deliver comprehensive, patient-focused care across all phases of heart failure, with the ability to navigate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assure the best treatment for their patients. Telehealth, which saw heightened use during the COVID-19 pandemic, offers potential in HF management, particularly in boosting access and reducing readmissions. Researchers suggest that future studies should explore NP-led clinics, cost efficiency, and care quality.
