Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
Scientists have identified a key mechanism causing the heart's muscle to thicken, leading to irregular rhythms and heart failure. A new peptide treatment could prevent or stop further thickening, offering hope for patients with cardiac hypertrophy.
A new study from Mount Sinai Heart found that heart failure patients unvaccinated against COVID-19 are three times more likely to die from it than those who are fully vaccinated and boosted. The research also shows that these unvaccinated patients face higher risks of hospitalization and ICU admission if infected with the virus.
A long-term study found that cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of developing both reduced ejection fraction and preserved ejection fraction heart failure. Former smokers retained a higher risk of heart failure for decades after quitting, with the risk decreasing only after 30 years without smoking.
A new study found that sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) decreased the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes. SGLT-2i showed similar cardiovascular outcomes to metformin but a lower risk of heart failure hospitalization.
A major international study reveals the significant impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular services worldwide, with a substantial decline in hospital admissions and increased mortality rates. The study warns that problems with heart health will continue to accrue unless mitigation strategies are implemented quickly.
A major study found COVID-19's toll on global cardiac services, revealing a 'substantial global decline' in hospital admissions of cardiovascular patients. The pandemic led to increased delays in treatment, resulting in more deaths and complications, with low-income countries facing the worst impact.
A review of 38 randomized controlled trials found that counseling patients about contraceptive use and providing contraceptives increases use without increasing STI risk or reducing condom use. The interventions also decrease unintended pregnancy in trials designed to evaluate this outcome.
A multi-center study evaluates the Alleviant System, a transcatheter technology that reduces pressure in the left atrium without implantation. The device demonstrates procedural safety and feasibility, with promising efficacy signals through six months.
A study found that colchicine significantly improved survival rates for patients hospitalized with worsening heart failure. Colchicine may also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with a buildup of cholesterol in their arteries.
A recent cohort study found that previous cardiovascular conditions, including heart surgery and heart failure, were associated with increased COVID-19 severity in US pediatric patients. The study highlights the importance of pre-existing medical conditions in determining COVID-19 outcomes in children.
The TVT 2022 program features cutting-edge research on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other structural heart therapies. The meeting will focus on patient evaluation, imaging modalities, and therapeutic options.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal shows that MRI is superior to echocardiography for diagnosing heart failure and predicting patient outcomes. The research found that MRI can accurately measure left ventricular filling pressure, leading to improved diagnosis and reduced need for invasive assessments.
A new study validates the Canadian Syncope Risk Score as a reliable tool to identify patients at low risk for serious outcomes after 30 days, potentially reducing hospitalization rates. The score showed better performance than another validated score, but its clinical utility remains uncertain and warrants further research.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals a strong association between infertility and an increased risk of heart failure, particularly in women. Infertility was associated with a 16% increased risk of overall heart failure and a 27% increased risk of HFpEF.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that late menopause, occurring at age 55 or older, significantly increases heart failure risk among obese women. Obesity was a major contributing factor, with the risk being greatest among women who experienced late menopause.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths in heart failure patients, regardless of diabetes status. The analysis also warned of increased genital infections associated with treatment.
Researchers discovered that Viagra and a common over-the-counter drug TUDCA restored mitochondrial processes, which drive heart failure in HLHS patients. This could lead to new therapies for treating heart failure without relying on heart transplants.
A recent study published in Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids found that the molecule urocortin-2 may regulate recovery processes after a heart attack by modulating miR-29a. Treatment with urocortin-2 could favor patient recovery by regulating apoptosis and fibrosis.
The study found significant improvements in blood flow through the heart and quality of life at one year, with all 36 patients achieving a reduction in tricuspid regurgitation severity. Longer follow-up is needed to determine how well the device continues to perform.
A study found that omecamtiv mecarbil did not improve exercise capacity or daily physical activity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The drug was well-tolerated, but its effectiveness in improving functional limitations was limited.
Researchers found significant and sustained improvements in left ventricular outflow tract gradients, health status, symptoms, and exercise capacity among patients taking mavacamten. The drug appears to be safe and well-tolerated long-term with no new adverse events reported.
The study found that patiromer significantly lowers blood potassium levels in patients taking RAASi medications for heart failure. The results suggest that patiromer can be used to control excess potassium buildup in the blood, which is a common side effect of RAASi therapy.
A new study found that customized digital alerts via an electronic health record system significantly increased the number of guideline-directed medications prescribed for heart failure patients. The alerts improved medication use by over a quarter of patients, translating to one medication addition per every 14 alerts received.
A global trial found that people with heart failure who received an annual flu shot had lower rates of pneumonia and hospitalization on a year-round basis. The study also revealed significant reductions in major cardiovascular events during peak flu season.
A study of 806 patients with heart failure found that reducing sodium intake improved symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, and coughing. However, it had no effect on rates of death, hospitalization, or emergency department visits. The researchers recommend a lower sodium intake limit for heart failure patients.
The SODIUM-HF trial found that reducing sodium intake for one year improved quality of life and slowed heart failure progression in patients. However, it did not significantly reduce major adverse events or hospitalizations. The study suggests that individualized recommendations may be beneficial for certain patients.
The new ACC/AHA/HFSA guideline redefines heart failure stages to focus on prevention, updating treatment options for people with symptomatic heart failure. It recommends blood pressure control, SGLT-2 inhibitor medicines, and healthy lifestyle habits to prevent HF risk factors from developing.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that serum sodium levels can help identify adults with a greater chance of experiencing heart disease. The research suggests that staying well-hydrated and consuming sufficient amounts of fluids throughout life may also reduce the risk of severe heart problems in the future.
A literature review found that spirituality can improve quality of life for heart failure patients, reducing depression and anxiety. Researchers are now working to develop a spirituality screening tool to identify patients at risk for spiritual distress.
A review article by UT Southwestern researchers highlights the root cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition affecting millions globally. Joint metabolic and immune dysfunction is proposed as the underlying mechanism, opening up possibilities for therapeutic targets.
A new CNIC study warns that mitochondrial therapeutic interventions can cause damage due to the mixing of mitochondrial DNAs from two distinct origins. This can lead to medium- and long-term health issues, including heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and muscle loss.
Researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University discover a molecular pathway driving maladaptive processes in heart failure, revealing the importance of GRK5's catalytic activity and nuclear presence. The study opens doors to new therapeutic strategies for treating this devastating condition.
Researchers found that chronic lactate exposure can lead to cellular disruptions, decreased fatty acid transport, and alterations of mitochondrial membranes, which may contribute to the development of heart failure and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that lactate accumulation could be a major player in disease progression.
A study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal found that people with congenital heart defects who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to require intensive care or need a ventilator. The risk of severe illness was higher among those with additional health conditions, older adults, and men.
Researchers from NYITCOM are using a new imaging technique to study diabetic heart failure and its causes. They hope to develop new treatments by tracing how lysosomes, the body's defense system, are impaired in heart muscle cells.
A large study found a significant link between salt-containing paracetamol and an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death. Patients with high blood pressure who took sodium-containing paracetamol had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those taking non-sodium-containing paracetamol.
Researchers found elevated plasma xanthine oxidase activity and more fragments of damaged mitochondrial DNA in Black adults with resistant hypertension compared to white adults. These findings suggest an important underlying cause of increased cardiovascular risk in Blacks with difficult-to-treat hypertension.
Researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 1,241 middle-aged individuals and found that about half of the bacterial species were modified by drug treatment, while 75% of disturbances occurred in early stages of overweight and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome may play a role in heart disease development
A study of 3099 older Italians found that increasing physical activity levels between 65-75 years old can lower cardiovascular disease risks in late old age. Maintaining an active lifestyle over time was associated with a 52% lower risk of cardiovascular disease among men.
A review published in Journal of Internal Medicine suggests that micronutrient supplementation could represent an effective treatment for heart failure. Micronutrients like iron, selenium, zinc, and coenzyme Q10 can impact cardiac cells' energy production, contributing to the disease.
A new 'bionic' pacemaker is being developed to restore the natural variability of the heartbeat, which has been found to improve cardiac output by 20%. This innovation could revolutionize the treatment of heart failure in New Zealand patients.
A Northwestern Medicine-led study found that a novel, minimally invasive cardiac implant device called an atrial shunt may benefit some patients with HFpEF. The device improves symptoms and quality of life by allowing blood to flow from the stiff left atrium to the normal right atrium.
A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine identified a novel causative gene, BAG5, for dilated cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of heart failure. The researchers found that mutations in this gene can lead to cardiomyopathy and found a potential treatment alternative using adeno-associated viruses (AAV) gene therapy.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that Rev-erbα/β in cardiomyocytes mediates a normal metabolic rhythm, enabling the cells to use lipids as energy during resting time. Removing Rev-erbα/β disrupts this rhythm, leading to progressive dilated cardiomyopathy and lethal heart failure.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) will host THT 2022 from February 1-2, 2022. The conference features new and emerging treatments for heart failure, including transcatheter approaches and innovative monitoring strategies.
Research from the University of Virginia Health System found that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can lead to hardened kidney vessels. The drugs, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure, were associated with damage in both lab mice and humans.
Researchers have created an mRNA-based approach to reprogram immune cells to attack specific targets, with promising results in treating heart failure. The technique, which is simpler and more temporary than current CAR T cell technology, holds potential for addressing a range of fibrotic diseases.
Researchers have developed a novel strategy to enhance the reprogramming efficiency of human fibroblasts, significantly increasing their ability to become functional heart muscle. This approach uses endothelial cell plasticity to facilitate the desired change, offering new hope for patients with congestive heart failure.
A study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers suggests that reperfusion therapy may not be as effective in halting muscle damage during heart attacks as previously thought. The team's findings indicate that internal bleeding within the heart muscle can continue to cause damage even after the blocked coronary artery is op...
Research finds GNAO1 expression affects calcium ion regulation in cardiomyocytes, leading to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure progression. Suppression of GNAO1 improves pathology in multiple mouse models.
A new Northwestern University study has derived and validated the first set of risk prediction models for lifetime risk of heart failure. The models can identify individuals at greatest risk, especially among young adults, allowing physicians to start prevention measures sooner.
An extensive study of over 400,000 individuals found no association between total alcohol consumption and ventricular arrhythmias, contradicting the traditional Holiday Heart Syndrome. Higher spirit intake was linked to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, but not SCDs.
Researchers discovered that mechanical forces guide cell development, influencing gene expression and potentially leading to pathologies like heart disease. The findings could inspire advances in engineering authentic artificial tissue for medical applications.
A case report highlights the limitations of remote monitoring in detecting premature battery depletion in recalled pacemakers, leading to urgent device replacement. The cases emphasize the importance of closer monitoring and prophylactic generator changes in patients with high-risk devices.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers has found that people with HIV are at higher risk of developing heart failure than those without the condition. The study identified significant differences in heart failure risk among various demographics, including age, sex, and ethnicity.
Researchers found a rare genetic mutation in Black Americans is associated with an earlier onset of heart failure and a higher risk of hospitalization. The study suggests that early screening for the mutation could lead to faster treatment and improved outcomes for this vulnerable group.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center have developed a therapeutic agent to improve treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The new approach targets alternative splicing in cardiac disease, using antisense oligonucleotides to stabilize sensitive molecules and trigger desired response.
The new research center aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and improve treatment options. The researchers will study the underlying causes, molecular mechanisms, and effects on the cardiovascular system.
A new meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors can improve outcomes for heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. The medication has been shown to reduce the risk of death from heart-related causes and hospitalization by 22%.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that aspirin use is associated with a 26% raised risk of heart failure in individuals with at least one predisposing factor for the condition. This includes factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.