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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)
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|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 for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) prevalence is rising globally, complicated by ambiguous definitions hindering research and prevention.
- Standardizing HF definitions is crucial for global surveillance, diagnosis, and management.
- The 2021 consensus introduced Stage B (pre-HF) to identify at-risk individuals.
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.
- Revision of HF classification based on clinical realities, moving beyond rigid ejection fraction cutoffs.
- Inclusion of HF phenotypes (reduced, preserved, improved ejection fraction), causes, dynamic trajectories (improvement, remission, recovery), and social determinants.
Main Results:
- A new classification system for HF phenotypes (reduced, preserved, improved ejection fraction).
- A universal classification of HF causes is proposed.
- Acknowledgement of dynamic HF trajectories and the impact of social determinants and geographic variations on HF risk and outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The Second Universal Definition of Heart Failure provides a comprehensive, standardized framework.
- This standardization aims to enhance prevention, early detection, and management of HF worldwide.
- The ultimate goal is to improve patient care and advance global cardiovascular health.
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