Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
A University at Buffalo study explores how social and economic characteristics influence hospital readmissions and health inequity in the US. The research found that patients with lower household income, male gender, or treated in urban hospitals have a higher risk of being readmitted within a month of discharge.
A study found that stem cell therapy reduced the number of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths among people with chronic heart failure, especially those with high levels of inflammation. However, hospitalization rates did not decrease despite the treatment, according to researchers from the American Heart Association.
A randomized placebo-controlled trial found canagliflozin improved symptoms, function, and quality of life for patients with heart failure. The study used a virtual approach, demonstrating the success of decentralized clinical trials.
A recent study published at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2021 found that adults treated with empagliflozin during hospitalization for acute heart failure experienced increased survival, lower risk of re-hospitalization, and improved quality of life. The medication, originally used to treat type 2 diabetes, has bee...
Researchers at the Texas Heart Institute have made significant breakthroughs in treating persistent heart failure with a novel stem cell therapy. The phase 3 clinical trial results show that this treatment has the potential to alter the natural history of heart disease, reducing hospitalizations and improving patient outcomes.
A new study led by University of Minnesota Medical School researcher Xavier Revelo found that macrophages play a role in protecting the heart after injury. The research team discovered a large increase in cardiac macrophages early in response to a cardiac injury similar to high blood pressure.
Scientists discovered an important protective response in the heart that can prevent excessive scarring after a heart attack. The study found that this reactive response can limit cardiac fibrosis by preventing oxidant build-up in heart cells, potentially leading to new therapies to repair scarring damage.
A new study finds that genetic testing for cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias simultaneously can detect conditions more accurately than single-condition tests. This leads to better diagnosis and treatment options, such as targeted therapies and monitoring devices.
Despite Medicare's expanded coverage, only less than 10% of eligible adults with heart failure enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation between 2014 and 2021. This low enrollment rate is attributed to various barriers, including insurance coverage and CMS participation criteria.
A study suggests sacubitril/valsartan is no better than valsartan alone in patients with severe heart failure, but may be slightly safer. The treatment showed no improvement in biomarker levels or clinical outcomes for sickest patients.
Researchers found that slow release of TT-10 from nanoparticles improved heart function after a heart attack, accompanied by increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and smaller infarct size. The study suggests that PLGA nanoparticles could be used to improve treatment administration efficiency for cardiovascular drugs.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that could prove useful in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a common and hard-to-treat condition. The new approach reduces exposure to increased cardiac stiffness, which is associated with lower-filling pressures inside the heart chambers.
A new AI-based computer algorithm created by Mount Sinai researchers can identify subtle changes in electrocardiograms to predict heart failure. The algorithm was 94% accurate at predicting healthy ejection fractions and 87% accurate at detecting weakened hearts, offering a promising alternative to traditional diagnosis methods.
A study of 7,512 pregnancies in women with congenital heart disease found no maternal deaths, but more health complications for mothers and babies compared to a control group. Babies born to CHD mothers had an increased risk of stillbirths, low birthweight, and major visible abnormalities.
The ACHIEVE GREATER Center aims to reduce cardiometabolic health disparities by implementing a proactive approach using community health workers and pharmacists. The center will use collaborative care, PAL2, to address multiple domains of influence contributing to disparate health outcomes in the Black population.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise may be associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure. The correlation appears to be greater in people who are former smokers or have high blood pressure.
A UCL-led research team has discovered a new gene causing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart condition. The study found that variants in the ALPK3 gene are responsible for 1-2% of adults with the condition, affecting approximately 1,250-2,500 people in the UK.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that cancer can cause cardiac dysfunction due to the presence of free radicals, which were reversed by specific antioxidants in fruit flies and mice with tumors. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating heart problems in cancer patients.
A study shows haemodynamic guided management may reduce heart failure hospitalisations in patients with earlier stage heart failure, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial enrolled 1,000 patients with NYHA class II–IV heart failure and found a 17% reduction in heart failure hospitalisations.
The EMPEROR-Preserved trial found that empagliflozin reduced the risk of a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure in patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction. The study showed that empagliflozin was effective across all prespecified subgroups, including those with or without diabetes.
A large clinical trial has identified empagliflozin as a treatment option for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, reducing risk of hospitalization or death by 21 percent. The drug also showed fewer symptoms and mild side effects.
A pooled analysis of two trials found that empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure patients, regardless of ejection fraction. The drug also showed benefits in reducing major renal outcomes, particularly at lower ejection fractions.
The new guidelines provide comprehensive guidance on diagnosing and treating acute and chronic heart failure. Key findings include improved survival rates with drug treatments, increased exercise benefits, and vaccination recommendations for patients at risk of infections.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) living in poor or Black metropolitan areas have higher amputation rates. The analysis also noted significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among different racial and socioeconomic groups.
A new preclinical study validates the spleen's role in cardiac healing and suggests targeting S1P as a potential treatment for heart failure. The study discovered interactions between S1P and the heart during transition from acute to chronic heart failure.
Researchers investigated sarpogrelate, an approved antiplatelet medication, for its potential to treat heart failure. Sarpogrelate suppressed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the development of heart failure in mice, suggesting it may be an effective low-cost agent for heart failure therapy.
A meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials found that ultrafiltration is superior to control treatments for weight loss (WMD 1.24 kg) and fluid removal (WMD 1.55 L), but associated with increased serum creatinine levels. The use of ultrafiltration in ADHF patients is efficient for fluid management but less safe renally.
A recent study published in European Heart Journal: ESC heart failure shows that increased oxidative stress during exercise adversely affects heart failure prognosis. Tailoring exercise therapy to individual patients based on their level of oxidative stress may be more effective than conventional exercise therapies.
A study published in PNAS uses CRISPR technology to understand how genetic mutations cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The research found that specific mutations can lead to changes in the movement of myosin proteins, which are essential for heart contraction. This new understanding has implications for preventing and treating HCM.
A new study found that 44% of micro-arteries from patients had abnormal myogenic tone, associated with excessive caldesmon presence and poor cell alignment. This abnormality affects blood supply within the heart and other organs, impacting quality of life and life expectancy.
A study published in Scientific Reports describes the putative molecular regulators of reductive stress — a microRNA network. The researchers identified a subset of miRNAs that appeared to be direct and dose-dependent targets of Nrf2, and thus putative regulators of reductive stress.
Research found that patients with ICDs who increased physical activity outside of cardiac rehab experienced fewer hospitalizations and lower death rates, with every 10 minutes of added activity reducing death risk by 1.1%
The European Society of Cardiology has announced the ESC Congress 2021 press programme, featuring live hot line sessions and embargoed press conferences. The programme will showcase new data on heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiac arrest, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that older patients with heart failure are less likely to receive recommended therapies and dosages compared to their younger counterparts. The study analyzed data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry and found that age was independently associated with undertreatm...
A recent study found that heart attack patients during the pandemic were more likely to experience heart failure, with delays in treatment resulting in poorer outcomes. The study also noted a significant increase in post-treatment pump function decline and hospital admissions for decompensated heart failure.
A large cohort study found that patients with heart failure are more likely to develop cancer compared to those without. The incidence of cancer was significantly higher among heart failure patients, particularly for certain types of cancer such as lip, oral cavity, and pharynx cancers.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a master switch for fibrosis in the heart, which they believe could be used to treat and prevent heart failure. The study suggests that blocking this gene, MEOX1, could prevent fibrosis in other organs as well.
A novel lncRNA, Caren, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for heart failure. It enhances energy production in cardiomyocytes and inhibits the activation of the ATM protein, which accelerates heart failure severity. Increasing Caren expression may inhibit heart failure progression.
Studies of people with RA show a decline in dementia risk over time, from 12.7% to 6.2% between the 1980s and 2000s. Heart failure risks also decrease, with no excess risk seen in 2000s compared to general population.
A clinical trial conducted at the University of Louisville showed that cell therapy using cells derived from a patient's own bone marrow and heart improved quality of life and reduced major adverse cardiac events. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in hospitalizations and improved outcomes for patients with heart failure.
A new study found that individuals with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) are at higher risk of developing diabetes, heart diseases, strokes, and respiratory diseases. Despite having a normal metabolic profile, MHO individuals face increased mortality rates compared to those with normal weight but unhealthy metabolism.
Research found nearly 20% of patients with unexplained sudden cardiac death carried rare genetic variants that raised their risk. Genetic screening may have prevented deaths if doctors knew about the genetic predisposition to heart disease.
A new analysis found that post-heart transplant survival among older patients is on par with younger recipients. The study included 37,135 patients and showed a significant improvement in mortality rates after adjusting for other factors, suggesting that advanced age should not be a contraindication for heart transplantation.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that heart transplant surgery has a similar mortality rate for adults aged 18-69 and 70+, with only minor differences in stroke risk and donor hearts. Advanced age alone should not prevent people from being considered as candidates for heart transplants.
A new physiological measurement of heart function, PAPP, has been shown to identify high-risk patients with systolic heart failure or pulmonary hypertension. This monitoring technology can reduce the risk of death by 46% annually in patients with low PAPPs.
Researchers have developed a new AI-powered diagnostic tool using electrocardiograms (ECGs) to diagnose coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. The tool achieved an accuracy of over 98.5% in classifying patients' ECG signals.
A study found that using ultrasound to monitor lung congestion in hemodialysis patients with high cardiovascular risk improved patient outcomes. The technique reduced episodes of decompensated heart failure and cardiovascular events by 37% and 63%, respectively.
A study by University of Exeter researchers found a 40% decline in patients admitted with heart attacks and a 30-40% decrease in use of cardiology services during the pandemic. However, there has been an increase in home-based rehabilitation options, suggesting a need for more evidence-based programs to be rolled out.
The Heart Failure 2021 congress showcases the latest evidence on preventing and managing heart failure, including the impact of COVID-19 and digital health. Researchers will present data on improving quality of life for patients with heart failure through medication, physical activity, diet, and implantable devices.
Researchers found that excess pericardial fat increases the risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for established risk factors. High pericardial fat volume was associated with a double increase in risk for women and a 50% increase for men, according to the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
A team of scientists from Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine have discovered a critical component for renewing the heart's molecular motor, which breaks down in heart failure. Restoring BAG3 levels could strengthen the heart as a potential treatment for heart failure.
The experimental drug omecamtiv mecarbil significantly reduces hospitalizations for patients with severe heart failure and low ejection fractions. It offers improved benefits over current medications, especially in those with more severely impaired hearts.
Early-phase trial found pirfenidone significantly reduced a marker of heart muscle scarring compared to placebo in patients with preserved ejection fraction. The study suggests that fibrosis is an effective treatment target and could lead to personalized approaches to prevent or reverse scarring.
Research suggests that the type of heart failure a patient has may influence which approach is optimal for treating atrial fibrillation (AFib). A study found that rhythm control may be especially beneficial for patients with reduced ejection fraction, but more research is needed to confirm this trend.
Brigham cardiologists presented findings on IL-6 inhibitors, SGLT1/2 inhibitors and statin drugs in COVID-19 patients, highlighting potential benefits and limitations. The studies suggest new therapeutic options for preventing future cardiovascular events and improving outcomes for patients with heart failure and kidney disease.
The LIFE trial found that sacubitril/valsartan combination therapy did not improve health outcomes for patients with severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The study showed that valsartan alone was more effective in reducing hyperkalemia and clinical outcomes.
Researchers found that sotagliflozin reduced the risk of death or worsening heart failure by 22-43% in patients with both diabetes and heart failure. The medication showed significant benefits across various patient subgroups, including those with preserved ejection fraction.
A randomized controlled trial found that an additional auditing and feedback program on hospital care for heart failure patients did not improve outcomes, including reduced rehospitalization and death rates. The study's lead author suggests future interventions may employ digital tools or focus on care delivery outside the hospital.
A novel rehabilitation program, REHAB-HF, improved physical function, balance, mobility, strength, and endurance in hospitalized older patients with acute heart failure. The program, tailored to individual needs and starting early in the hospital stay, showed significant gains regardless of ejection fraction.
A novel 12-week physical rehabilitation program tailored to address specific physical impairments in older heart failure patients improved physical functioning, quality of life, and depression. However, participation did not significantly reduce rehospitalizations during the six-month follow-up period.