Heart Failure Beat

Heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) affects up to 25% of patients with heart failure, yet many clinicians remain uncertain about how best to diagnose and treat it. In this episode, HFSA Scientific Statement co-authors Jane E. Wilcox, MD, and Barry A. Borlaug, MD, discuss the evidence, clinical implications, and key takeaways from the newly published HFSA Scientific Statement. Read the Scientific Statement: HFSA Scientific Statement: Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction

The May (2026) issue of the Journal of Cardiac Failure shines a spotlight on infiltrative and inflammatory cardiomyopathies, including amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, and myocarditis, and the rapidly evolving science shaping their future.  On this episode of the Heart Failure Beat, guest editors Drs. Nisha A. Gilotra, Mathew Maurer and Emer Joyce discuss the diagnostic challenges these patients face, the rise of non-biopsy diagnosis, emerging targeted therapies, AI-driven diagnostics, multidisciplinary care models, and why earlier recognition is transforming outcomes.  The conversation also explores how the field is evolving for trainees, researchers, and patients alike, and why this special focus issue may represent a launchpad for innovation across heart failure care.

Are mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) ready for prime time in HFpEF and HFmrEF?  In this special debate-format episode of the Heart Failure Beat, two leading heart failure pharmacists, Stormi Gale, PharmD, BCCP, FHFSA and Robert L Page II, PharmD, MSPH, FHFSA, go head-to-head on steroidal vs non-steroidal MRAs.  From RALES and TOPCAT to FINEARTS-HF, they unpack the evidence, guideline implications, cost-effectiveness, CKM considerations, and real-world barriers to access. Is finerenone the “new pillar” in HFpEF? Or does spironolactone remain the practical, evidence-based choice? The conversation also explores phenotyping challenges in HF trials and whether combining SGLT2 inhibitors with MRAs can attenuate hyperkalemia risk.  If you care about precision medicine, cardiorenal overlap, or optimizing GDMT in complex patients, this debate is for you.

Heart failure care is entering a new era - one defined not by singular devices, but by integrated systems of technology working together. In this episode, Laura Peters, DNP, joins The Heart Failure Beat to discuss a new joint HFSA + AAHFN scientific statement on integrated health technologies. From wearables and implantable devices to telehealth and AI, the conversation explores how systems-based approaches, patient engagement, and multidisciplinary teams can improve outcomes while reducing burden on clinicians. 

For decades, sodium restriction has been treated as a cornerstone of heart failure self-care—despite limited trial-quality evidence. In this episode of Heart Failure Beat, Dr. Tariq Ahmad (Yale School of Medicine; Associate Editor, JACC: Heart Failure) joins hosts Michael Beasley, MD, and Priya Umapathi, MD, to unpack what we actually know about sodium targets in hospitalized and outpatient heart failure. They discuss why inpatient studies have been inconsistent, why a VA-commissioned review concluded sodium restriction for admitted HF patients is not supported, and how focusing on “dietary indiscretion” can distract from evidence-based priorities like GDMT. Dr. Ahmad also previews the pragmatic, EHR-embedded SOAR-AHF trial designed to compare regular vs low-sodium hospital diets and measure outcomes like length of stay and readmissions.

Priya Umapathi, MD speaks with six HFSA past presidents live from ASM 2025. Nancy M. Albert, PhD, CCNS, CCRN, NE-BC, Biykem Bozkurt, MD, PhD, Jim Fang, MD, FHFSA, Mark H. Drazner, MD MSc, Michael Felker, MD, FHFSA, and Ken Margulies, MD, FHFSA discuss their journeys, achievements, and the future of heart failure — from prevention to precision medicine and AI. 

Guest editors Drs. Mak, Burkhoff, and Belkin join Heart Failure Beat to unpack the Journal of Cardiac Failure Hemodynamics Focus Issue. They discuss how renewed attention to pressure-volume loops, ECMO, and patient perspectives is reviving interest in hemodynamics as a vital foundation for heart failure care. Discover how simple physiological insights continue to drive complex innovations—and why now is the time to bring hemodynamics back to the center of cardiovascular practice. https://onlinejcf.com/current

Meet the editorial team behind JCF-Intersections, HFSA’s and the JCF Family of Journal’s new open-access journal. Drs. Jason Katz and Nosheen Reza share their vision for a journal that sits at the crossroads of heart failure and innovation. From unique article types to early-career mentorship, this is a must-listen for anyone in cardiovascular care. Listen now and read the debut issue of JCF-Intersections, out now at onlinejcfi.org. 

In this episode of the Heart Failure Beat, Dr. Eric Adler of UC San Diego Health joins the show to discuss his landmark gene therapy trial for Danon disease, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Adler recounts the powerful bedside-to-bench-to-bedside story that led to the development of a groundbreaking treatment for this severe, genetic cardiomyopathy. He explains the mechanics and evolution of gene therapy, its promise in treating monogenic heart failure syndromes, and the early but encouraging clinical outcomes—like dramatic reductions in troponins and heart mass. The episode also explores regulatory and safety challenges, delivery limitations, and the critical role of patient advocacy. Whether you’re a heart failure specialist or a translational researcher, this conversation offers compelling insights into the future of precision therapies in cardiology.

In this episode of Heart Failure Beat, Dr. Shashank Sinha—Medical Director of the CICU at Inova Fairfax—joins hosts Dr. Priya Umapathi and Dr. Michael Beasley to unpack the 2025 ACC Expert Consensus Statement on Cardiogenic Shock. Together, they explore the updated SHARC classification, staging systems, and the S.U.S.P.E.C.T. mnemonic for early recognition. Dr. Sinha shares practical insights on invasive hemodynamics, shock team composition, and new data on mechanical circulatory support. Plus, hear his “Top 10 Takeaways” for managing this complex and dynamic condition. Whether you work in a tertiary center or a community hospital, this episode delivers guidance for real-world care.

In this compelling episode of the HF Beat, join hosts Michael Beasley, MD and Priya Umapathi, MD and an esteemed panel of experts, including Dr. Eileen Hsich, Dr. Anu Lala, and Dr. Ilan Goldenberg, as they delve into the nuanced world of sex differences in heart failure. This conversation spans three key topics: identifying traditional and sex-specific risk factors for heart failure, addressing disparities in diagnosis and treatment, and exploring the implications of these differences on therapeutic responses and device-based interventions. Highlights include discussions on under diagnosis in women due to natriuretic peptide thresholds, CRT’s heightened benefits in women with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, and the urgent need for inclusive clinical trials. With actionable insights and cutting-edge research, this episode equips heart failure clinicians with essential knowledge to better serve our heart failure patient population. Tune in to explore how advancing sex-specific research can transform heart failure care for all.

In this episode of the HF Beat, our hosts Michael and Priya sit down with Dr. Biykem Bozkurt, a leading expert in heart failure, to discuss the alarming rise of heart failure mortality rates in not just older patients but especially in our younger patients and certain minority groups. Dr. Bozkurt delves into the 2024 HF Stats report, highlighting concerning trends such as increasing incidence and prevalence, widening disparities in care, lack of available care, and the continued underutilization of guideline-directed therapies. We explore the root causes of these troubling statistics, including social determinants of health, access to care, and the impact of risk factors like obesity and diabetes. Dr. Bozkurt emphasizes the critical need for early recognition and treatment of risk factors to prevent heart failure progression and improve outcomes for all patients.

On this episode of HF Beat, Michael Felker, MD, FHFSA, current HFSA President, shares HFSA’s vision for the coming year, highlighting initiatives to expand patient and caregiver engagement, bolster research funding through the Heart Failure Research Foundation, and inspire the next generation of heart failure specialists.

This episode highlights critical updates in heart failure care with insights from leading experts. First, Marat Fudim, MD, MHS discusses the HFSA statement on device-based therapies, including emerging innovations like cardiac contractility modulation and remote monitoring tools. Next, Michelle Weisfelner Bloom, MD and Ana Barac, MD, PhD present the groundbreaking cardio-oncology and heart failure scientific statement, emphasizing the integration of cancer therapies and heart care. They explore strategies to manage treatment-related cardiac dysfunction and propose a "permissive toxicity" framework. Finally, Sarah Chuzi, MD, MSc and Haider Warraich, MD detail HFSA's palliative care consensus, providing actionable guidance for integrating primary and specialty palliative care in heart failure management. This episode equips clinicians with practical strategies and a forward-looking perspective to enhance patient outcomes.

In this episode of the Heart Failure Beat, our hosts sit down with Dr. James Fang, immediate past president of the Heart Failure Society of America, to discuss highlights from his term and the advancements shaping heart failure care. Dr. Fang reflects on major scientific breakthroughs, including the SEQUOIA-HCM and FINEARTS-HF trials, and the role of GLP-1 agonists. He also emphasizes the societal importance of accessible treatments, especially with recent legislative changes impacting drug affordability. Dr. Fang highlights initiatives like the Heart Failure Research Foundation’s support for early-career investigators and the Journal of Cardiac Failure's expansion into Open Access, which together aim to foster collaboration and drive innovation. Tune in for insights on pivotal developments, the future of heart failure as a specialty, and the Society’s commitment to fostering a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

In this episode of Heart Failure Beat, Priya and Michael interview Dr. Partho Sengupta – cardiology artificial intelligence (AI) aficionado – who shares his expertise on the role of AI in transforming cardiovascular care, from diagnostics to personalized treatment. On Heart Failure Rounds, Michael discusses the latest research on nurse-led titration clinics and their significant impact on heart failure rehospitalizations and mortality. The episode wraps up with Priya’s review of the latest trials presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), highlighting new therapies and breakthroughs in cardiac and kidney care on From Failure to Function. A must-listen for clinicians interested in cutting-edge heart failure management.

On the July episode of the Heart Failure Beat, we celebrate the graduation of newly-minted advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologists. Michael and Priya welcome doctors Matthew Colna, Lekha Racharla, Benjamin Stoner, and Anas Jawaid to reflect on their PGY-7 year and look ahead on their first year as cardiology attendings. The EFFORT and CAST-HF trials, Arrhythmia-Induced Cardiomyopathy, and a Randomized Trial of Cholesterol Lowering With Evolocumab are also discussed.

In this month's episode, we welcome guests Stuart Prenner, MD and Kavita Sharma, MD to discuss what is quickly becoming the predominant form of heart failure in the United States: Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). As leaders of two of the few HFpEF specialty clinics in the country, Drs. Prenner and Sharma provide a number of insights involving the evaluation and management of HFpEF patients. On Heart Failure Rounds, Michael explores the use of ARNI and MRA drugs in patients with chronic kidney disease and Craig Beavers, PharmD breaks down Troponin and Treatment Effects of Omecamtiv Mecarbil: GALACTIC-HF on the JCF Spotlight.

On the May episode of the Heart Failure Beat, Michael and Priya welcome Amanda Vest, MBBS, MPH, FHFSA and Adrian daSilva-deAbreu, M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D to discuss the evaluation and management of obesity in patients with heart failure. Heart failure cardiologists need to become comfortable managing obesity, a common co-morbidity among their patients. In the JCF Spotlight, Associate Editor Colleen McIlvennan, PhD, DNP, ANP, FAHA, FHFSA reviews an article published in the May issue. And finally, on a special Heart Failure Rounds, Michael shares an interview with transplant recipient, where he relives his experience through heart transplantation and makes recommendations for the role of re-branding and for palliative care throughout that journey.

On the April episode of the Heart Failure Beat, Priya and Michael take on adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) with guests Chetan Pasrija, MD, MS, and Ari Cedars, MD, and discover that it’s never too early to refer a patient with ACHD for advanced therapies. Andrew Sauer, MD, an associate editor of the Journal of Cardiac Failure, joins the episode for a new segment featuring a review of a recently published article on the STRONG-HF trial. Priya does a fast-track review of 4 trials in 4 minutes from ACC.24 and the ISHLT 44th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions on From Failure to Function and on Heart Failure Rounds, Michael reviews a recently published HFSA Scientific Statement on cognitive impairment in HF. This is a slightly longer episode jam-packed with fascinating tidbits of information, so settle into the full episode or explore the chapters to catch your favorite segment!