Heart failure is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for heart failure, there are many advancements in treatment that can help improve the quality of life for those who suffer from it. Let’s take a look at some of the latest treatments for heart failure, how they work, and what the benefits of each treatment are.
Latest Advances in Heart Failure Treatment
Despite recent advances in treatment, heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop more effective treatments for this condition. In recent years, there have been further advances in the treatment of heart failure. Below are some of the most promising new heart failure drugs and devices:
Flow Therapy
One treatment option for heart failure is flow therapy, also known as Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP). Flow therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sophisticated counterpulsation technology to improve blood flow and reduce congestion in the heart.
Flow therapy effectively reduces symptom severity and improves the quality of life in patients with heart failure. However, it should not be used as a sole treatment for heart failure. Instead, it should be used in conjunction with other lifestyle changes and treatments to help manage the condition.
Ivabradine
Ivabradine is a new drug for heart failure that can help treat heart failure by improving the heart’s pumping ability. It does this by slowing down the heart rate and increasing the amount of blood pumped with each beat. In addition, Ivabradine can help improve the quality of life for people with heart failure by reducing symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
Sacubitril/Valsartan
Sacubitril/Valsartan is a combination drug approved by the FDA in 2015. It’s a combination of two medicines: sacubitril, which is an inhibitor of neprilysin, and valsartan, which is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
The neprilysin inhibitor works by inhibiting the degradation of compounds that promote natriuresis (excretion of sodium in urine), diuresis (excretion of water in urine), and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). The ARB works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and sodium retention.
Combining these two drugs leads to a significant improvement in heart function and a reduction in hospitalizations for heart failure. In addition, Sacubitril/Valsartan has reduced mortality from heart failure.
Heartmate 3
The Heartmate 3 is a new treatment for heart failure that helps pump blood from the left ventricle of the heart. The goal of treatment with Heartmate 3 is to improve the quality of life and extend life expectancy. The device is implantable and powered by batteries. It effectively enhances heart function and reduces hospitalizations due to heart failure. It is an option for people who are not heart transplant candidates or waiting for a transplant.
Mitraclip
One treatment option for heart failure is Mitraclip therapy. Mitraclip is a device placed inside the heart to help it pump blood more effectively. It’s typically used in people who have moderate to severe heart failure and haven’t been helped by other treatments like medications or lifestyle changes.
Mitraclip therapy has improved the quality of life and exercise tolerance in people with heart failure. It can also reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from heart failure.
V-Wave InterAtrial Shunt Device
The V-Wave InterAtrial Shunt Device is a new treatment for heart failure that offers hope to those who have not responded well to other therapies. The device is implanted in the heart and helps redirect blood flow, which can improve symptoms and quality of life for patients with heart failure.
Personalized Volume Management System (PVM)
Personalized Volume Management Systems (PVM) are a new class of devices with the potential to improve management of HF by providing real-time feedback on cardiac output changes and intravascular volume status. PVM systems use sensors to continuously monitor hemodynamic parameters and algorithms to calculate individualized targets for fluid status. The systems then provide clinicians with guidance on how to optimize fluid status to improve cardiac output and reduce congestion.
PVM systems have improved clinical outcomes in heart failure patients, including reducing hospital admissions and mortality rates. In addition, PVM-guided therapy has been associated with improved quality of life and exercise tolerance in patients.
How To Get Started With Heart Failure Treatments
Heart failure can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs. In extreme cases, it can lead to death. The good news is that there are many new advances in HF treatment that can help people manage their symptoms and live longer lives, including non-invasive options such as Flow Therapy.
Speak with your doctor about these heart failure treatments and determine what the best path forward is for you and your loved ones.
