Heart Failure

Advanced Molecular, Metabolic, and Imaging Approaches to Characterizing Right Ventricular Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Circulation, 2026AHA Scientific StatementSource: Abstract only (full text via journal)DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001422PMID 41924886

Authors: AHA writing group
Journal / date: Circulation, 2026
DOI / URL: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001422 | PMID 41924886
Source basis: Abstract only (full text via journal)
Study type: AHA Scientific Statement
Population: Adults with RV dysfunction across PH/PAH, HFpEF, congenital heart disease, COVID-19, post-LVAD
Why it matters (clinical takeaway):

Frames the RV as a central therapeutic target, not a secondary bystander, across multiple disease states.
Identifies RV-PA uncoupling as the inflection point from adaptive hypertrophy to maladaptive remodeling.
Highlights sotatercept (activin signaling inhibition) as a promising therapy that reduces PVR and supports RV recovery.
Pushes for routine integration of imaging (strain, MRI) and biomarker-based detection of maladaptive remodeling in everyday HF/PH practice.

Caveats / limitations: Statement, not a guideline — class/level of evidence not assigned per recommendation. Read in conjunction with the 2022 ESC/ERS PH guidelines and any forthcoming AHA HF updates.
Referenced trials pulled forward: Sotatercept STELLAR (already on trials list to deep-dive), CADENCE (see PH base — 2026-05_cadence-sotatercept-cpc-ph-hfpef.md)