Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
09:20
Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
AHA/ACC/ESC/WHF Expert Consensus Document: Second Universal Definition of Heart Failure (2026)
Circulation
|June 29, 2026
Summary
The Second Universal Definition of Heart Failure standardizes terminology for heart failure (HF) and its stages. This aims to improve global prevention, diagnosis, and management of HF, enhancing patient care and cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) prevalence is rising globally, complicated by ambiguous definitions hindering research and prevention.
- Previous efforts in 2021 established stage B (pre-HF) to identify at-risk individuals.
- Significant advancements have occurred in HF prevention, diagnosis, management, and understanding global disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the Second Universal Definition of Heart Failure, standardizing terminology and approach.
- To facilitate a uniform framework for clinicians, researchers, health systems, and policymakers.
- To improve global prevention, early detection, and management of heart failure.
Main Methods:
- A consensus document developed by cardiac societies and foundations.
- Revising the classification of HF phenotypes beyond strict ejection fraction cutoffs.
- Proposing a universal classification of HF causes and addressing dynamic HF trajectories.
Main Results:
- Introduced a new HF classification: reduced, preserved, and improved ejection fraction.
- Proposed a universal classification system for HF causes.
- Addressed dynamic HF trajectories (improvement, remission, recovery) and social determinants.
Conclusions:
- The Second Universal Definition provides a comprehensive, standardized framework for HF.
- This standardization aims to enhance global cardiovascular health and patient outcomes.
- Recognizes the impact of social determinants and geographic variations on HF risk and care.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
01:27Heart Failure I: Introduction
Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.