Large-scale heart failure initiative boosts use of lifesaving medications
A new analysis published in Circulation: Heart Failure shows hospitals participating in the American Heart Association's multiregional IMPLEMENT-HF(TM) initiative significantly improved adherence to guideline-directed medical therapy for patients hospitalized with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the most common type of heart failure.
The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, launched the three-year quality improvement initiative in 2021. The goal: improve uptake of quadruple medical therapy and integrate health-related social needs assessments into routine care. Quadruple medical therapy is a combination of four evidence-based drugs proven to reduce mortality: angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), evidence-based specific β-blocker (BB), mineralocorticoid antagonist (MRA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i). The effort involved more than 100 hospitals across the U.S. and built on the Association's Get With The Guidelines(R) - Heart Failure program.
The study included data from more than 43,000 patients at 67 hospitals and found:
'This initiative represents an important leap forward in closing the treatment gap in heart failure,' said Andrew Sauer, M.D., American Heart Association volunteer, a lead author of the research and a cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City. 'By supporting collaborative learning and leveraging real-time data, IMPLEMENT-HF enabled hospitals to better serve patients in varied communities.'
HFrEF affects nearly half of people hospitalized for heart failure and carries a 75% five-year mortality rate. Although clinical trials have shown that quadruple therapy can significantly improve survival, use of this treatment has remained low nationwide, particularly among underrepresented populations.
By creating a structured, 'all-teach, all-learn' environment, the Association's initiative offered participants tools for identifying care gaps, sharing best practices and monitoring performance at both hospital and regional levels.
'The improvements we've seen through IMPLEMENT-HF underscore the power of collaboration,' said Mariell Jessup, M.D., chief science and medical officer of the American Heart Association. 'The Association is committed to transforming systems of care to ensure every person has access to the highest standard of heart failure treatment, no matter where they live.'
Additional Resources:
###
Statements and conclusions of studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are available here.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Michelle Rosenfeld: [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[1] Martin S, et al. 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Chapter 22. Circulation. 2025;151(8):e41–e660.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
No safe pour? New guidelines say high blood pressure patients should avoid alcohol
In a move that could spell more trouble for Northern California's struggling wine industry, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have issued new guidelines urging adults with elevated blood pressure to avoid alcohol altogether. The update — the first since 2017 — keeps diagnostic thresholds the same but calls for earlier intervention. Adults with systolic readings of 130–139 mm Hg should begin with lifestyle changes, and if those fail after three to six months, doctors are advised to prescribe medication. The aim is to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and dementia. 'It is important for people to be aware of the recommended blood pressure goals and understand how healthy lifestyle behaviors and appropriate medication use can help them achieve and maintain optimal blood pressure,' said Dr. Daniel Jones, chair of the writing committee, in a statement. One of the most significant shifts is the advice to forgo alcohol. For those who choose to drink, the groups reaffirmed limits of no more than one daily drink for women and two for men. 'High blood pressure is the most common and most modifiable risk factor for heart disease,' Jones said. Johns Hopkins Medicine puts it more plainly: 'The takeaway is what you probably already knew: If you choose to drink alcohol, stick to moderate levels of drinking, and don't overdo it.' Other recommendations include reducing sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day toward an ideal limit of 1,500 milligrams per day, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight — including use of GLP-1 medications for some patients — home blood pressure monitoring and closer management during pregnancy. What you need to know about the new blood pressure guidelines How many Americans have high blood pressure? Nearly half of all U.S. adults — about 46.7% — have blood pressure at or above 130/80 mm Hg. Why does it matter? High blood pressure is the No. 1 preventable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and even dementia. What's new in the 2025 guidelines? Doctors are urged to begin treatment earlier, starting with lifestyle changes and adding medication if needed. The guidelines also stress monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy. What lifestyle changes are recommended? The guidance highlights limiting sodium to under 2,300 mg per day (ideally 1,500 mg), avoiding alcohol or drinking very little, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet and managing stress. How does blood pressure affect brain health? What about during pregnancy? High blood pressure before, during and after pregnancy can lead to serious complications. The guidelines recommend close monitoring, treatment when blood pressure reaches 140/90 mm Hg and continued postpartum care. Who developed these guidelines? They were issued by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, with support from 11 other major medical organizations.
Fox News
a day ago
- Fox News
Francis Ford Coppola's treatment sheds light on heart condition affecting millions
Francis Ford Coppola, director of "The Godfather," was hospitalized in Italy last week for a non-emergency cardiac procedure. The filmmaker, 86, sought to update a "30-year-old AFib procedure," according to a post on his Instagram page. AFib, or atrial fibrillation (AFib), is an "irregular and often rapid heart rhythm" that can raise the risk of blood clots, heart failure, stroke and other heart-related complications, according to the American Heart Association. After Italian media sources reported the director's hospital visit, a representative for Coppola called it a "scheduled update procedure" and said he was "resting nicely." "All is well," according to his representatives. "Da Dada (what my kids call me) is fine," the director said on his social media, speaking for what appears to be the first time about his condition. He continued: "Taking an opportunity while in Rome to do the update of my 30-year-old AFib procedure with its inventor, a great Italian doctor — Dr. Andrea Natale! I am well!" Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company, spoke with Fox News Digital about the condition. "AFib is typically not immediately life-threatening, but it can lead to complications or issues in the future," said the cardiologist, who has not treated Coppola. With AFib, the normal electrical activity in the heart changes to chaotic electrical signals, according to the Maryland-based cardiologist. This causes the heart to beat quickly and get out of rhythm. Instead of contracting normally, the upper chambers of the heart — called atria — start to quiver, causing blood clots to form. "When these clots break free, they can travel to the brain, causing a stroke," Serwer cautioned. For many people, AFib may have no symptoms, but for some, it can cause a fast or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath or lightheadedness. "AFib can be challenging due to its diverse manifestations," Serwer noted. There are several procedural approaches to treat atrial fibrillation, according to the cardiologist. The most common procedure is called an ablation, which is when a specialized cardiologist uses catheters to follow the heart's electrical activity. The doctor then burns the sites where the AFib begins. "This procedure has a high rate of success and complications are low, making it a highly valued option," Serwer noted. If a patient is undergoing open-heart surgery for coronary artery disease or valvular heart disease, a surgeon can perform a "maze procedure," which creates a "maze-like pattern of scar tissue" in the upper chambers of the heart to block irregular electrical signals, according to Mayo Clinic. There are also procedures to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have AFib, but who may not be able to take blood thinners. By placing a small device where blood clots form, the rate of stroke drops significantly, Serwer said. In some cases of atrial fibrillation, the condition can come and go, but other patients may experience persistent AFib, the cardiologist said. For more Health articles, visit While it's not usually life-threatening, AFib is still considered a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment. Serwer advised, "If you experience sudden-onset dizziness or palpitations that persist, it is imperative to seek immediate evaluation from a medical professional."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Scientists Say These Are the Worst Ultra-Processed Foods You Can Eat
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The American Heart Association just released a big report on ultra-processed foods. Some ultra-processed foods are healthier than others, according to the organization. Experts say it's still important to limit how much ultra-processed foods you eat. Ultra-processed foods have been a hot topic in nutrition, with a government report released in May linking this food category to a range of chronic diseases. Now, the American Heart Association (AHA) has released a new scientific advisory statement, breaking down the best and worst ultra-processed foods you can eat, and their impact on health. This echoes a growing argument in the nutrition and health community, especially given that up to 70% of our food supply is made up of ultra-processed foods. 'Ultra-processed foods are such a large part of the American diet, and whatever we can do to steer our diet toward healthier options would be beneficial to our cardiovascular health,' says Cheng-Han Chen, M.D., interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. Meet the experts: Danbee Kim, M.D.,, nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Cheng-Han Chen, M.D., interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA; Keri Gans, R.D., author of The Small Change Diet; Kathleen Moore, R.D.N., a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center So, which ultra-processed foods are considered 'healthier' and what does this mean for your diet going forward? Doctors and a dietitian explain. What are ultra-processed foods? The levels of food processing are classified under something called the NOVA scale. This scale lumps foods into these four main categories: Unprocessed and minimally processed foods: This includes foods that are in their natural state or barely altered, like strawberries, carrots, and milk. Processed culinary ingredients: These ingredients are created through minimal processing, like pressing, refining, grinding, or milling. The category includes things like olive oil and almond flour. Processed foods: Foods in this category are changed from their natural state. They usually have sugar, oil, salt, or other substances added. Canned tuna and some cheese fall under this umbrella. Ultra-processed foods: Ultra-processed foods contain ingredients like artificial colors and flavors, preservatives for shelf stability, and other ingredients to preserve texture. Many packaged foods are considered ultra-processed. What did the report say? The report doesn't have great things to say about ultra-processed foods, calling them a 'growing public health challenge.' Even more, 'most ultra-processed foods overlap with foods high in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium, which are already targets for cardiometabolic risk reduction,' the report states. The report lists a link between ultra-processed foods and a range of serious health complications, including heart attacks, stroke, sleep disorders, depression, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. But the report also stresses the importance of identifying 'high-risk' ultra-processed foods subgroups to break down healthier options within this category. By encouraging people to have less of the most harmful ultra-processed foods and steering them more towards 'a small number of select, affordable ultra-processed foods of better diet quality,' people may improve their health risks, the review says. The best ultra-processed foods The AHA stops short of saying that certain ultra-processed foods are actually healthy. But the organization flags some options as being better for you than others. Those include: Low-sodium whole-grain breads and crackers Low-sugar yogurts Tomato sauces Nut- or bean-based spreads Flavored dry-roasted chickpeas Unsweetened, dried fruit-based snacks Unsweetened high-fiber cereal Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives that are low in sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat, like soy milk and tofu 'Some ultra-processed foods can provide essential nutrients,' says Keri Gans, R.D., author of The Small Change Diet. 'In contrast, others are loaded with added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Knowing the difference helps you choose options that work best for your health and your lifestyle.' These foods 'can actually provide useful nutrients and help people get affordable, convenient foods—especially when fresh options are harder to find,' says Danbee Kim, M.D., nutrition expert, weight loss surgeon, and assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Labeling some ultra-processed foods as better than others may also help people make more informed choices, says Kathleen Moore, R.D.N., a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 'Labeling all ultra-processed foods as 'bad' may discourage the consumption of some nutrient-rich convenient options, like whole grain breads, cereals and cereal bars, yogurt, and grab-and-go meals,' she says. 'Sometimes it is useful to use some ultra-processed foods to save time or to incorporate balanced meal options when fresh foods are limited. Knowing which ultra-processed foods are more healthy will help consumers make better choices.' The worst ultra-processed foods The AHA also broke down the least healthy ultra-processed foods. Those include: Chicken nuggets Sausage Hot dogs Sugar-sweetened beverages Liquid cheese products Cookies Candies Gummy fruit snacks Refined grain breads Tortillas Dairy-based desserts like ice cream Ready-to-heat meals made with refined grains, high fats, or processed meats like boxed macaroni and cheese or pizza Tortilla- and potato-based chips Is it OK to eat a lot of 'healthy' ultra-processed foods? While the AHA report called out healthier versions of ultra-processed foods, experts say that still doesn't mean you should load up. 'These can provide beneficial nutrients and fit into a balanced diet,' Gans says. 'However, still pair them with plenty of whole and minimally processed foods for optimal health.' Dr. Chen agrees. 'As much as possible, we should aim to eat whole foods rather than processed foods,' he says. But these foods have an important role for some people, as Moore points out. 'I work with many clients who incorporate ultra-processed foods into their weekly schedules for a variety of reasons,' she says. 'Some cannot seem to find time for breakfast, or have a work schedule that makes sitting down for lunch difficult. I have clients who are busy parents and benefit from a frozen family meal or 'grab and go' meal when sports events make it difficult to eat a home-cooked meal. Overall, I encourage my patients to limit ultra-processed foods to less than half of their overall consumption.' Dr. Kim suggests trying to have these foods in moderation. 'Think of 'healthier' ultra-processed foods as a tool—something you can lean on when they help make your diet more balanced or easier to stick to, but not something to make the star of your plate at every meal,' she says. How to reduce ultra-processed foods in your diet The best way to reduce ultra-processed foods in your diet is to focus on whole foods first, according to Gans. 'Be prepared. Stock your pantry with nutrient-rich staples like canned tomatoes, beans, and oatmeal,' she says. 'Include more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains, and make small swaps, like 100% whole-grain bread for white.' In a perfect scenario, Gans says that the first ingredient in the things you eat should be a whole food. While you're at it, Dr. Kim suggests cutting back on the 'worst offenders,' especially sugary drinks, processed meats, packaged sweets, and salty snacks. 'The fewer ultra-processed foods you eat, the better—but it's about progress, not perfection,' Dr. Kim says. 'Swap out the unhealthy ones first, make room for healthier stand-ins when needed, and keep working toward a diet built mostly from whole, real foods.' You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50 Solve the daily Crossword
