Cardiology organizations update universal definition of heart failure

Leading global cardiology organizations, including the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, the European Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation, have introduced a revised universal definition of heart failure. This second update in five years aims to provide a more consistent framework for physicians and patients worldwide.

The new consensus, published in the journal Circulation, emphasizes that a ‘normal’ ejection fraction—the measure of how much blood the heart pumps with each contraction—does not necessarily guarantee a healthy heart. Experts warn that relying solely on this metric may mask underlying structural or functional abnormalities that impair the heart's ability to pump or fill with blood.

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome affecting more than 55 million people globally and remains a leading cause of hospitalization. The updated definition seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy, promote earlier prevention, and better identify opportunities for treatment and remission by focusing on a more comprehensive evaluation of cardiac health.