WASHINGTON, DC (March 18, 2026) – The March issue of Journal of Cardiac Failure-Intersections brings together new data, implementation-focused guidance, and patient perspective to examine three distinct, but interconnected, dimensions of cardiovascular care: economic burden, therapeutic execution, and lived experience.
Cardiovascular Complications and the Escalating Cost of HCM
A new claims-based analysis examines how cardiovascular complications reshape the economic landscape of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Drawing on a large national cohort of adults with both obstructive and nonobstructive disease, investigators evaluate how complications affect hospital utilization, outpatient care, and prescription spending.
The findings highlight a sharp rise in health care use once complications occur- even among patients previously considered stable- underscoring the substantial financial consequences of disease progression and raising important questions about earlier intervention.
From Evidence to Execution: Improving Uptake of Cardiometabolic Therapies
A companion review addresses a persistent gap in cardiometabolic care: the underuse of therapies proven to reduce cardiovascular and renal risk. Despite strong evidence supporting GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, nonsteroidal MRAs, and PCSK9-directed therapies, adoption remains low.
The authors outline the systemic and practical barriers that delay or prevent prescribing and propose pragmatic strategies clinicians can use to improve access, affordability, and adherence. The article reframes implementation as a critical determinant of cardiovascular outcomes, not simply an administrative hurdle.
At the Intersection of Medicine and the Human Heart
The issue also features a patient perspective by Martha E. Ford, sister of Billy Porter, reflecting on the lifelong impact of caregiving and advocacy.
Ford recounts serving as a caregiver beginning in childhood, navigating medical systems, interpreting complex information, and speaking on behalf of loved ones. Her narrative highlights the often-unseen responsibilities carried by family members and frames caregiving as an integral component of cardiovascular care delivery.
The full line-up for the Journal of Cardiac Failure-Intersections March 2026 issue is as follows:
Editor's Page: Reflecting at the Intersections
Original Research Papers
State-of-the-Art Review
Brief Report
Teachable Moments
Intersections in Advanced Heart Failure Training
Teachable Moments
Perspective
Research Letter
It’s Up For Debate
Patient Story
View the full issue online. For interviews with authors, please contact Laura Poko at lpoko@hfsa.org.
About the Journal of Cardiac Failure-Intersections
The Journal of Cardiac Failure-Intersections is an open-access journal with a focus on heart failure and its various intersections with other disciplines and specialties within the broader cardiovascular community. The journal has a special focus on how multidisciplinary partnerships impact patient care. Published papers will span original investigator-initiated work to state-of-the-art reviews, expert perspectives, including those with a global viewpoint, early career and trainee spotlight pieces, and patient and patient-partner narratives.
About the Heart Failure Society of America
The Heart Failure Society of America, Inc. (HFSA) represents the first organized effort by heart failure experts from the Americas to provide a forum for all those interested in heart function, heart failure, and congestive heart failure (CHF) research and patient care. The mission of HFSA is to provide a platform to improve and expand heart failure care through collaboration, education, innovation, research, and advocacy. HFSA members include physicians, scientists, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, trainees, other healthcare workers and patients. For more information, visit hfsa.org.
Media Contact: Laura Poko, 301-798-4493, ext. 226, lpoko@hfsa.org