Inaccurate pulse oximeter readings could limit transplants, heart pumps for Black patients with heart failure

University of Michigan researchers find that racially biased pulse oximeter readings may further limit opportunities for Black patients with heart failure — who are already less likely to get treatment — to receive potentially lifesaving therapies, such as heart pumps and transplants.

Baylor Scott & White Presents Research At The Heart Failure Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting 2023

The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) is a multidisciplinary organization working to improve and expand heart failure care through collaboration, education, research, innovation and advocacy. Its annual scientific meeting held Oct. 6-9, in Cleveland offers the best heart failure…

Just in Time for Hearth Month – Hackensack University Medical Center Mechanical Circulatory Support Program Coordinator Co-Authors First-of-its-Kind Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Textbook

Scott Stewart, DNP, APNC, CNL, Mechanical Circulatory Support Program supervisor at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, co-authored a first-of-its-kind textbook titled, “A Guide to Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Primer for Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Clinicians.”

When heart-assisting implants could save a life, patients who are Black or female don’t get them as often

Black people and women with severe heart failure who might be good candidates for surgery to implant a heart-assisting device have a lower chance of actually getting that operation than white patients, or male patients, a new study finds.

Emerging Treatment Helps Reverse Heart Failure in Some Patients

In a new multicenter study, researchers led by University of Utah Health physicians report that an emerging heart failure treatment could potentially reverse structural damage to the heart, allowing it to heal itself over time. Overall, 19 (40%) patients who were treated with a combination of LVAD support with heart failure medications had sufficient improvement that the LVAD could be removed.

Empowering Rural Doctors to Treat Advanced Heart Failure Improves Patient Outcomes

Travel restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 are making it more difficult for some heart failure patients who have artificial heart pumps to participate in follow-up care at implantation centers far from their homes. But a new study suggests there may be a viable alternative.

According to University of Utah Health researchers, local doctors in rural areas who receive specialized training in managing the devices and who work in conjunction with cardiovascular experts at a major medical center can care for these patients safely and effectively.

University of Michigan Expert Available: Study Cautions Against Catch-All Assumptions about LVADs and Mitral Regurgitation

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Mitral valve procedures are often not performed because of the standing belief that LVAD support resolves mitral regurgitation, due to better left heart performance. A new study in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found when…