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Diseased heart muscle cells have abnormally shortened telomeres, Stanford researchers find

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that people with cardiomyopathy have abnormally short telomeres in their heart muscle cells. This finding opens the door to new research and drug discovery, potentially allowing for the identification of individuals at risk for heart failure due to genetic defects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

Drug reduces deaths and hospitalizations from underdiagnosed form of heart failure

A phase three clinical trial has shown that tafamidis can reduce deaths by 30% and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations by 32%. The treatment also slows the decline in quality of life among patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. If approved, it would be the first medical therapy for this life-threatening disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 27, 2018

New link found between alcohol, genes and heart failure

Researchers have discovered a genetic link between alcohol consumption and heart failure, specifically in individuals with a faulty titin gene. The study found that even moderate amounts of alcohol intake can worsen the condition by reducing heart output in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy caused by the faulty gene.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 25, 2018

Four in 10 cardiomyopathies -- a major cause of sudden death in young people -- are genetic

A European Society of Cardiology study found that four in ten cardiomyopathies in young people are genetic. Family screening is crucial to detect the disease in apparently healthy relatives and prevent early death. The study also highlights the need for earlier diagnosis and better diagnostic tests, including genetic testing.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 24, 2018

Seroprevalence and disease burden of chagas disease in south Texas

A study published in PLOS Neglected Diseases reveals that Chagas disease has a significant presence in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, affecting up to 30% of those infected with Trypanosoma cruzi developing fatal cardiomyopathy. The research estimates 4,600 people are currently infected and 1,300 at risk for cardiac disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 10, 2016

Why do only some people with hereditary heart disease experience symptoms?

A new study reveals that environmental stress significantly increases the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in individuals with gene mutations, putting them at greater risk of developing the disease. The findings suggest that stressors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and alcohol use may trigger the onset of symptoms in car...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateJan 5, 2015

Low levels of circulating protein linked with heart problems in mice with kidney disease

A study found that decreased blood levels of Klotho increase the risk of heart disease in mice with chronic kidney disease, suggesting potential treatment strategy to protect kidney disease patients' heart health. If confirmed in humans, increasing Klotho levels may help protect the hearts of patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 4, 2014