Cardiologists propose new global definition for heart failure

Leading global cardiology organizations are proposing a significant revision to the definition of heart failure. Experts from the American Heart Association, the World Heart Federation, the American College of Cardiology, and the European Society of Cardiology have introduced a new consensus document published in the journal ‘Circulation’.

The new framework suggests that a ‘normal’ value indicating the heart's ability to pump blood does not necessarily rule out heart failure. This shift aims to provide a clearer and more consistent framework for both physicians and patients.

Heart failure is a clinical condition caused by structural or functional abnormalities that impair the heart's ability to pump or fill with blood. It is a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide, affecting more than 55 million people. Experts note that identifying the true cause of the disease through these updated definitions could improve opportunities for prevention, treatment, and even remission.