Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure

In March 2021, the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (HFA-ESC) and the Japanese Heart Failure Society (JHFS) released a Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure, which standardizes language and practices around the definition and classification of heart failure (HF). 

The Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure provides a definition that is clinically relevant and simple but conceptually comprehensive. It also offers the ability to sub-classify HF within ejection fraction (EF) groups and provides revised classification of stages of HF. The new definition and classification can be used in a standardized fashion across scientific societies and guidelines, employed by clinicians, used in research studies and incorporated into discussions with patients and caregivers. 

Supplemental resources are available to download below.


Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure

Biykem Bozkurt, MD, PhD; Andrew JS Coats, DM, DSC; Hiroyuki Tsutsui, MD, et al.

J Card Fail. 2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cardfail.2021.01.022 

Published March 2021


Editorials

Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure Is it universal? Does it define heart failure?
Carolyn S.P. Lam, MBBS, PhD; Clyde Yancy, MD, MSc 

J Card Fail. 2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cardfail.2021.03.003


Press Release

Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Failure Association of European Society of Cardiology, and Japanese Heart Failure Society Release Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure


Heart Failure Beat Podcast Episode: Behind the Scenes on the Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure

On this episode, Dr. Kevin Shah discusses with Drs Biykem Bozkurt and Andrew Coats the newly published document for all providers who take care of patients with heart failure. We discuss the rationale for this document as well as the major changes regarding heart failure stages. The discussion includes why phrases like “persistent heart failure” as compared to “stable heart failure” matter for both patients and clinicians. Lastly, we highlight some of the behind the scene discussions from a writing committee perspective and the changes in heart failure care the writing committee chairs hope to see in the future. Tune in here >>


Society Endorsements

In addition to being developed by the HFSA, ESC, and JHFS, the Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure has been endorsed by a number of professional societies in the cardiology space including:

  • Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand
  • Chinese Heart Failure Association
  • Canadian Heart Failure Society
  • Heart Failure Association of India