First Comprehensive Heart Failure Center certified in Taiwan

DALLAS, January 30, 2026 - Heart failure (HF) affects an estimated 330,000 people in Taiwan, a number that has roughly doubled over recent years and is expected to continue rising.[1]

In response to this critical health challenge, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in New Taipei City has become the first hospital in Asia to meet the American Heart Association's criteria for Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Certification.

While there is no cure for HF, many people with this condition can live full, enjoyable lives and disease progression can be slowed with the right treatment, according to the American Heart Association. Research shows that outcomes for patients with HF improve when health care professionals and hospitals provide guideline-directed medical therapies.

The American Heart Association designation shows the commitment of Taiwan's public health care systems to delivering evidence-based care that reduces treatment times and improves outcomes for people experiencing heart failure.

"Asia's first Comprehensive Heart Failure Center represents real progress for people living with heart failure in the region," said Carolyn Lam, MBBS, PhD, volunteer co-chair of the Association's Heart Failure A.S.I.A. program. Lam is also a senior consultant cardiologist at the National Heart Centre Singapore and a professor at Duke-National University of Singapore. "As the burden of heart failure grows in Asia, this milestone reflects a clear commitment to guideline-directed, patient-centered care - and provides a regional benchmark others can build on to improve outcomes and quality of life."

"This certification reflects our unwavering focus on the highest standards of cardiovascular care for the people of Taiwan," said Yen-Wen Wu, M.D., PhD, director of the department of the medical research at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital. "It confirms that our clinical protocols are aligned with globally recognized guidelines, enabling us to provide high-quality, integrated care for people living with heart failure."

The American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, launched the hospital-based heart failure continuous quality improvement program in 2025, bringing the gold standard in HF care to communities outside the U.S. for the first time. The Association offers a portfolio of domestic and international health care certifications across cardiovascular, stroke and related specialties, which support the consistent application of evidence-based care worldwide.

Certification standards are developed independently by clinical societies and overseen by the American Heart Association and other mission-driven organizations and individuals with the clinical background required to focus on patient-centered quality health care, safety and value.

A team of expert reviewers evaluated Far Eastern Memorial Hospital for compliance with the Association's Comprehensive Heart Failure Center standards and requirements, including advanced imaging and treatment capabilities, 24/7 availability of specialized treatments, participation in research, and staff and physicians with the unique education and competencies to care for complex heart failure patients. The reviewers found the hospital met or exceeded all required standards. Comprehensive Heart Failure Centers must document and demonstrate how their organization has committed to providing quality care for heart failure patients.  

"This certification reflects the American Heart Association's broader mission to advance evidence-based cardiovascular care globally," said Larry Allen, M.D., MHS, an American Heart Association volunteer and associate editor of Circulation: Heart Failure. Allen is also division head for cardiology and co-director of the Colorado Program for Patient Centered Decisions at the University of Colorado. "By expanding high-quality heart failure standards beyond the U.S., we're helping hospitals across the globe strengthen systems of care, share best practices and ultimately improve outcomes for patients everywhere." 

Learn more about the International Heart Failure Center certification at heart.org/HeartFailureCertification.

Additional Resources:

• Enhancing Global Healthcare Standards | International Heart Association | American Heart Association International
• American Heart Association International
• First Comprehensive Heart Failure Center certified outside the U.S.
• Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.    

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Michelle Rosenfeld: [email protected]

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