Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
A new clinical trial found that a tailored, earlier heart failure rehabilitation program improved frailty, depression, and overall quality of life in hospitalized patients. The study showed significant gains in physical functioning and self-perception of health status.
The PARADISE-MI trial found sacubitril/valsartan to be well-tolerated and associated with a trend toward improvement in secondary endpoints. However, it did not significantly reduce the rate of heart failure or cardiovascular death following a heart attack compared to ramipril.
Elevated levels of O-GlcNAc can make mice more prone to heart failure, but lowering them restores normal risk and function. The findings suggest targeting the O-GlcNAc pathway could help prevent or stop human heart failure.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that nearly one in four heart failure patients experience depression or anxiety, compared to 23% of breast cancer patients, 22% of prostate cancer patients, and 15% of digestive organ cancer patients. Heart failure patients are also at a higher risk of developing ...
A preclinical study by USF Health found that blocking lipoxygenase with a synthetic inhibitor alters the innate inflammatory response, delaying heart tissue repair after cardiac injury. The study suggests that preserving lipoxygenase is crucial for maintaining immune-mediated acute inflammation and preventing heart failure.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke have a 35% increased risk of developing heart failure. The association was strongest in men and among those with previous heart conditions, highlighting the need for education and stringent smoke-free policies.
A new genetic mutation found in African Americans significantly increases risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure, prompting researchers to recommend genetic testing for this population. The study also identifies a potential link between a newly discovered gene and early-onset AFib.
A new Mount Sinai study found that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have a small but significant risk of developing heart failure, even without a previous history of heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors. The study's findings may prompt clinicians to monitor for signs of congestive heart failure more closely in these patients.
A study published in Circulation found four new genetic variants associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy, a rare condition characterized by weakened heart muscle. The research suggests that these genetic mutations may be linked to non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting middle-aged men and women.
A 21-year-old's excessive energy drink consumption has been linked to heart failure, highlighting the potential risks of these drinks. The case report warns of the need for clear warnings about the cardiovascular dangers of large-scale energy drink consumption.
A University of Alabama at Birmingham study found that cytosine-p-guanine, or CpG, methylation of the DNA in the heart is associated with differences in heart-failure outcomes. The researchers also discovered that African American patients had higher rates of death from heart failure compared to Caucasian patients, suggesting a link be...
Scientists at Temple University and Case Western Reserve University will explore the role of nitric oxide in controlling the beta-adrenergic receptor system, a key player in heart function. The insights gained could lead to new therapies for congestive heart failure.
A study published in JACC reveals that clonal hematopoiesis, a phenomenon where acquired DNA mutations accelerate heart failure progression, is an independent risk factor. The presence of specific mutant clones, including those with TET2 and DNMT3A mutations, increases the risk of hospitalization and death from heart failure.
Researchers at Temple University Health System discovered that blocking GRK5's nuclear activity can prevent cardiac hypertrophy and reduce maladaptive effects in the heart. The findings offer exciting avenues for developing therapies to prevent heart failure.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals significant disparities in heart failure mortality rates between rural and urban areas, with rural areas experiencing higher death rates. The research also highlights race disparities among Black adults under 65 years old.
A mouse study finds that treatment with MCB-613 repairs heart tissue after a severe heart attack, preventing damage and scarring. The molecule decreases inflammation and increases heart function, offering hope for effective treatments to prevent heart failure.
A new study by scientists at Temple University identifies a promising novel therapeutic strategy targeting G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) in the heart. Reducing GRK5 levels improves survival following heart attack in mice, suggesting that GRK5 inhibition may be a viable treatment option for human patients.
Nationwide analysis reveals adults in rural counties experience higher heart failure-related death rates compared to urban counterparts, with greater increases for younger adults. Socioeconomic factors and clinical risk factors contribute to the urban-rural divide, prompting a need for targeted health and economic policy efforts.
Researchers found that heart failure causes impaired gene activity in the brain's memory center, leading to cognitive deficits. A specific drug alleviated mental deficits in mice, suggesting potential approaches for therapies.
Researchers found that limiting fat release from fat cells during heart failure can reduce inflammation and improve cardiac function. In a study, mice treated with a drug blocking fat release showed better outcomes than control groups.
Analysis of 448 patients with heart failure reveals 20.3% readmitted within 30 days and 60.9% within 1 year, primarily due to worsening heart failure conditions.
A genetic study found that increased Polynesian ancestry is linked to a higher risk of obesity, Type-2 diabetes, and heart failure in Native Hawaiians. The study suggests both genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to these disease risks.
Global heart failure cases rose from 33.5 million in 1990 to 64.3 million in 2017, mainly due to increased risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The prevalence of heart failure decreased only in high-income countries, while it increased in low- and middle-income countries.
A recent study found that drinking one or more cups of caffeinated coffee per day is associated with a decreased long-term heart failure risk. The analysis revealed a significant decrease in heart failure risk over time, ranging from 5-12% per cup per day of coffee consumption.
Researchers found that Black individuals show signs of diminished heart muscle strength and higher blood pressure from early childhood, increasing the risk of congestive heart failure. Midwall fractional shortening analysis revealed a decrease in cardiac muscle function over time, associated with increased risk.
A study in mice suggests that iron processing in the body may contribute to heart failure, and blocking this process could be a way of protecting the heart. Researchers found that inhibiting the release of stored iron can reduce cell death and stabilize oxygen levels.
Vericiguat, a first-of-its-kind treatment, reduces rates of death or hospitalization due to heart failure by 10% in patients with worsening chronic heart failure. The drug works by stimulating an enzyme that enhances heart function and helps blood vessels relax.
A study of nearly 108,000 people found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 16% increased risk of atrial fibrillation over 14 years. Regular drinking of even one small alcoholic drink per day may increase the risk, suggesting that low doses of alcohol can trigger atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found that statin users were 55% less likely to be treated at the hospital for heart failure after anthracycline treatment, and 54% less likely with trastuzumab treatment. Statins may be a potential intervention for preventing heart failure in patients receiving chemotherapy.
A new study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that COVID-19 infection nearly doubles the risk of death in patients with acute heart failure. The research highlights the need for extra precautions to be taken by these patients, including vaccination and social distancing.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine has uncovered that greater obesity seems to make muscle contraction much weaker in this very common form of heart failure. The study found that in patients with severe obesity, the force response to high calcium was reduced by 40%, suggesting that obesity is the key factor.
This issue of CVIA features papers on current management strategies for patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, as well as a systematic review on epicardial adipose tissue in obstructive sleep apnea. The journal also presents research on detecting myocardial infarction using late gadolinium enhancement MRI.
A study found novel biomarkers associated with incident heart failure, including adiponectin and pyruvate, which were linked to increased risk after 8.8 years of follow-up. Chronic inflammation and metabolic changes were also identified as key factors.
A new study from University of Alberta researchers found that women are at a 20% higher risk of dying or experiencing heart failure after a heart attack compared to men. The study examined data on over 45,000 Canadians who were hospitalized for their first heart attack between 2002 and 2016.
Exercise reduces severity of heart failure, improves heart function, and increases work capacity in rats with heart disease. High-intensity training reverses dysfunctional calcium handling and improves electrical signals in the heart.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that fracking sites may increase heart failure hospitalizations across large regions. Environmental impacts of fracking, including air pollution and heavy truck traffic, can lead to adverse respiratory effects and worsening cardiac health.
Researchers analyzed data on over 45,000 patients hospitalized for their first heart attack between 2002-2016. The study found that women were older and faced more risk factors than men, which put them at a higher risk of developing heart failure after a heart attack. Women also had lower rates of prescribed medications and revasculari...
A study published by the American Heart Association found that older women who spend more waking hours in sedentary behaviors have an increased risk of heart failure serious enough to require hospitalization. Breaking free from prolonged sitting or lying down can help prevent this serious condition.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a potential treatment for heart failure after a significant heart attack. MCB-613, a small molecule stimulator, has been shown to decrease damaging remodeling and inhibit the development of heart failure in mice.
A pediatric patient with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery developed severe heart failure at 3 months old. The authors review a case and discuss the challenges in early diagnosis, highlighting the importance of considering ALCAPA as a differential diagnosis.
A novel drug target has been identified for neonatal and infant heart failure, a condition with no specific treatment. The target stimulates cardiac contractility in newborns and infants with minimal side effects, offering new possibilities for pediatric heart failure treatment.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients with heart failure who received pre-recorded audio messages about self-care at home had lower readmission rates and reduced mortality. The study suggests that clear, consistent messages can improve patient outcomes and may lead to innovative methods of enhancing discharge information.
Adults with healthy sleep patterns had a 42% lower risk of heart failure compared to those with unhealthy sleep patterns, according to the study. The researchers analyzed data from 408,802 UK Biobank participants and found that healthier sleep habits were independently associated with reduced risk of heart failure.
The SCORED and SOLOIST trials demonstrate the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease or recent worsening heart failure. These trials show significant reductions in cardiovascular events, including deaths, hospitalizations, and strokes.
A study of patients with acute heart failure found that intravenous iron replacement reduced hospital readmissions by 26% after just one or two injections. Iron deficiency is a common complication, and correcting it may be an effective strategy for preventing recurrent hospitalizations.
Empagliflozin improves heart function, reduces dilation and hypertrophy of the left ventricle, increasing ejection fraction. The medication also enhances exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with heart failure, leading to reduced hospitalization rates.
A new medication has been shown to reduce the risk of heart failure-related events in patients with reduced ejection fraction. The study found that omecamtiv mecarbil, a novel heart medicine, had a greater effect on patients with lower ejection fractions.
Brigham researchers present findings on the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies in reducing cardiovascular events and deaths in both younger and older patients. Additionally, a study reveals that over 80% of heart failure patients are eligible for recently FDA-approved SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.
A study suggests that losing fat mass, but not lean mass, is key for heart health in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Reducing body fat and waist circumference lowers the risk of heart failure in this population.
A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that poor awareness of Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) leads to missed diagnosis and treatment opportunities. The condition affects half of all heart failure cases in England, but frequently goes undiagnosed due to lack of understanding among clin...
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that high fat and low carbohydrate diets can completely prevent or even reverse heart failure caused by a metabolic process. The research team discovered that providing a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet can improve cardiac fat metabolism and prevent or reverse cardiac dysfunction.
Researchers report a promising emerging treatment that combines medications with temporary use of an artificial heart pump to reverse structural damage in the heart. In a multicenter study, 40 advanced heart failure patients were treated with this protocol, resulting in high rates of LVAD removal and improved cardiovascular health.
A new research letter found that clinicians gave more patients temporary mechanical pumps under the new policy, moving them up the transplant list. This could lead to a higher likelihood of prioritizing male patients over females.
The MITHRAS trial found that interventional closure of an iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) driven by transcatheter mitral valve repair was not superior to conservative medical treatment. The study also revealed that the presence of a persistent iASD is associated with increased long-term mortality and morbidity following TMVR.
A recent study has provided a detailed picture of fuel and nutrient use by the human heart, establishing a new framework for studying heart function in health and disease. The study found that healthy hearts rely heavily on fatty acids as energy sources, while failing hearts consume more ketones and release more amino acids.
Researchers found that older adults with heart failure are frequently prescribed 10 or more medications upon hospital discharge, leading to potential adverse effects. The study highlights the need for improved medication review processes to balance treatment benefits and risks.
A study of 3,503 patients found beta blocker use reduced mortality by 21% among those starting dialysis. This association supports the routine use of beta blockers for heart failure patients initiating dialysis.
After surviving a heart attack, women are experiencing greater declines in recurrent events than men. Despite improvements, the rate of recurrent heart attacks and death remains high among survivors.
The study data show that Procizumab promptly restored cardiac dysfunction in a preclinical sepsis model by inhibiting the cardiac depressant factor DPP3. The administration of Procizumab improved heart function by increasing cardiac output, stroke volume, and left ventricular shortening fraction.
Researchers at UC Davis Health have made a breakthrough in using stem cell treatments for heart disease. By blocking an enzyme linked with inflammation, they were able to increase the survival of transplanted stem cells and improve cardiac function. This discovery could lead to a cellular-based treatment for heart failure.