The July issue of Journal of Cardiac Failure–Intersections highlights major geographic disparities in access to advanced heart failure care, new evidence on physical activity in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and a vision for the future of the cardiac intensive care unit. 

WASHINGTON, DC (July 15, 2026) –  Fifteen states have five or fewer board-certified advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologists (AHFTCs), according to new research published in the July issue of Journal of Cardiac Failure-Intersections. The analysis reveals substantial regional disparities in access to specialized heart failure care and identifies the factors most strongly associated with where these specialists practice. Information on this analysis and other new research published in the issue can be found below and online.

Advanced Heart Failure Workforce Shortages Reveal Major Geographic Disparities  

Access to advanced heart failure care remains highly uneven across the United States, according to a new workforce analysis of advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologists (AHFTCs). 

Researchers identified 1,523 board-certified AHFTCs nationwide, with physician density ranging from 0 to 1.22 specialists per 100,000 adults. States with more general cardiologists, electrophysiologists, fellowship training programs, and heart transplant activity were significantly more likely to have greater AHFTC workforce density. 

The findings highlight persistent regional disparities that may limit access to specialized heart failure care, particularly for patients living outside major academic medical centers. 

Pediatric Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Physical Activity: A Gap Between Recommendation and Reality

Children with HCM are often advised to avoid strenuous activity because of the risk of sudden cardiac death, but this caution may carry unintended long-term consequences. In a multicenter study of 56 patients ages 10–19, researchers found that only 12.5% achieved recommended daily step counts and just 4% reported completing 20 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity seven days per week. 

The study also identified pain and fatigue as major barriers to movement. These findings reinforce the need for clearer, evidence-based exercise guidance that supports both safety and long-term cardiovascular health in pediatric HCM patients.

Reimagining the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit for Modern Cardiovascular Care 

Today’s cardiac intensive care unit bears little resemblance to the coronary care units it evolved from, yet many CICUs still operate within outdated infrastructure models. 

In Beyond the Monitor: Reimagining the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, authors propose a forward-looking framework for cardiovascular critical care centered on three pillars: clinical care, research and quality improvement, and education. Their vision emphasizes robust data capture, predictive analytics, and human-centered design to create a more adaptive and equitable care environment. 

As patient complexity continues to increase, the article challenges institutions to rethink how CICUs are designed, staffed, and optimized for the future. 

View the full issue online. For interviews with authors, please contact Laura Poko at [email protected]. 
 

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, [email protected]