Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using an acne drug. A single mutation in the RBM20 gene was found to cause the disease, and increasing expression of this protein may overcome the insufficient expression seen in patients with DCM.
The PARALLAX trial found that sacubitril/valsartan reduces NT-proBNP levels by 16.4% compared to individualised medical therapy, indicating improved heart failure severity. However, functional capacity was not improved, with no significant difference in six-minute walk distance between groups at week 24.
The EMPEROR-Reduced trial found that empagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure, as well as adverse renal outcomes. By extending benefits to higher-risk patients, this trial supports the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure treatment.
A study of nearly 3 million Americans found that influenza and pneumonia vaccinations significantly reduced hospital death rates among patients with heart failure. Vaccination coverage remains low, but the study's findings support annual immunizations for patients with heart failure to prevent respiratory infections.
A new study from Lund University reveals a significant link between cognitive impairment and increased risk of rehospitalization and death in heart failure patients. The study, which examined 281 patients, shows that those with impaired cognitive function are more likely to experience poor outcomes.
A new US study found that socioeconomic factors are linked to heart failure mortality rates in the United States. The study analyzed over 1.2 million deaths from heart failure across 3,048 counties between 1999 and 2018, revealing significant disparities in mortality rates based on measures of wealth and social deprivation.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant increase in mortality rates due to heart failure and hypertensive heart disease among Black women and men. Despite advancements in heart disease management, the death rate for these conditions rose by 3.5% and 4.8%, respectively, between 2011-2018.
Researchers have found that the shape and structure of muscle fibres in the heart impact its performance and risk of heart failure. The study, published in Nature, reveals how these 'trabeculae' work and develop, and their importance to human health.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure found that mental stress and anger can exacerbate heart failure by worsening diastolic function. Patients who experienced anger during the study exhibited worse baseline resting blood pressure, while most participants showed stress-provoked changes in diastolic function.
Research published in ESC Heart Failure suggests that pupil area can predict prognosis in patients with heart failure. Patients with a small pupil area were found to have a significantly poorer survival rate and higher risk of readmission for heart failure compared to those with a large pupil area.
Hospitalized patients with heart failure experience increasing comorbidity burden over time, particularly women with HFpEF. The study suggests a shift towards multi-morbidity heart failure, emphasizing the importance of managing multiple conditions in guiding patient care.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway that could potentially treat heart failure, with the ability to alter SERCA, a key enzyme in the heart's contraction process. A new model has also been developed to predict the impact of heart muscle cells on heart function after injury.
A new study led by Penn State finds that LCCBs can cause vascular remodeling, reducing blood flow and increasing pressure. This damage can lead to an increased risk of heart failure in patients taking the medication.
A new diagnostic test for heart failure patients has been found to also predict COVID-19 patient outcomes, highlighting the connection between cardiovascular disease and COVID-19. The test measures a balance of beneficial and harmful peptides in the blood, suggesting that targeting this pathway could improve treatment for both conditions.
Researchers from Kanazawa University developed a new predictor using machine learning to identify patients at risk of sudden arrhythmic cardiac death and heart failure death. The model uses iodine-123 labelled MIBG and standard clinical tests to discriminate between high-risk and low-risk patients.
Researchers developed a new use for a common blood test to adjust T3 dosage, suggesting improved cardiac function and reversal of heart failure genes. The study suggests that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels can be used to titrate T3 required, providing a potentially life-saving treatment for heart failure.
Between 2007 and 2016, standardized hospitalization rates declined for coronary artery and vascular disease, heart rhythm disorders, stroke, and heart failure. However, there were notable increases for acquired valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and vascular cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that in-person and remote assessments of jugular venous pressure often agreed, correlating with right atrial pressure measurements. The study's results could enable more frequent checks and reduce trips to the doctor's office for heart failure patients.
A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal found that people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes who develop heart failure have the highest 5-year risk of death, three times higher than those without heart or kidney disease. Researchers also identified patients with cardiovascular or kidney disea...
Researchers at the University of South Florida Health have identified a mouse model that mimics human heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) syndrome. The study found that mice deficient in a receptor needed to clear chronic inflammation develop obesity and heart failure, offering new potential targets for therapies.
A new smartphone app uses voice recordings to detect fluid in the lungs of heart failure patients, allowing for early intervention and potentially preventing hospitalizations. The app requires a daily 30-second recording, which is compared to a personalized 'healthy' model to identify subtle changes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association finds that palliative care significantly lowers rehospitalization rates and improves patient outcomes for those with heart failure. Palliative care added to standard treatment plans can reduce hospital readmissions by up to 25%.
A new study suggests that a comprehensive multi-drug regimen for heart failure could significantly extend patients' lives, with potential benefits of up to six years and eight years free from cardiovascular events. The regimen, which combines newer therapies, may improve life expectancy across all age groups.
Research suggests that ACA Medicaid Expansion has improved delivery of cardiovascular care to racial and ethnic minority groups, including increased medication adherence and follow-up appointments. However, disparities remain, highlighting the need for policy changes and further investigation into interventions to reduce barriers to care.
High DPP3 blood concentrations are linked to circulatory failure, cardiac depression, and acute kidney injury in burn patients. Decreasing DPP3 levels indicate a reduced risk of mortality.
This meta-analysis found that Indo-Mediterranean style diets significantly reduced parameters of pre-heart failure and heart failure, as well as incidence of cardiac arrhythmias. Anti-inflammatory effects may be a key mechanism behind this reduction in cardiovascular mortality.
A new study discovered that tumor markers for various cancers also predict heart failure severity and mortality in patients with heart failure. The study found strong correlations between cancer markers and known heart failure indicators, suggesting a relationship between cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists at Temple University Health System are exploring the molecular mechanisms of heart injury and repair. They aim to identify new paths to developing innovative heart therapies. The study focuses on understanding the role of molecules known as G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) in heart function and disease.
A new study found that black patients have higher concentrations of activated fatty acids after a heart attack than white patients, indicating potential targets for personalized diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. Researchers discovered distinct lipid biomarkers may offer new approaches to delay or prevent cardiac failure.
Two new AHA statements emphasize the impact of social determinants on heart failure outcomes and caregiver demands. The statements advocate for an interprofessional healthcare team to address non-medical barriers, while also identifying challenges faced by unpaid family caregivers who serve as primary support.
Researchers found a significant increase in premature coronary artery disease deaths among rural women under 65, while also noting that people living in rural areas have lower survival rates for heart failure. This disparity highlights the need for targeted public health efforts to improve cardiovascular health in rural communities.
A University of South Florida-led mouse cardiac healing study reveals faster heart repair and improved survival in female mice compared to males after a heart attack. The research suggests that sex-specific therapies may be more effective in managing heart failure, with potential applications for delayed or prevented cardiac inflammation.
Research from Joslin Diabetes Center found that autoantibodies against heart muscle proteins are associated with increased volume of the left ventricle, reduced pumping function, and higher risk of failure. The study suggests a novel process involving the heart linked to poor glycemic control in type 1 diabetes patients.
A new study found vericiguat significantly lowers cardiovascular death and hospitalization rates in patients with worsening heart failure. With a median follow-up period of 10.8 months, the drug showed a 10% lower rate of primary endpoint events compared to placebo.
A new study suggests that local doctors in rural areas can safely and effectively care for patients with left ventricular assist devices, reducing travel burdens and improving survival rates. Shared medical care eliminates the need for extensive travel, eases financial and emotional strains on patients.
Vericiguat, a novel guanylate cyclase stimulator agent, has shown significant benefits in reducing negative health events in patients with worsening chronic heart failure. The VICTORIA trial demonstrated an absolute reduction of 4.2% in patients already receiving optimal care.
A recent study published in JAMA Network reveals that COVID-19 can cause acute myocardial inflammation leading to fatigue and signs of heart failure. Researchers identified the presentation of this condition in a patient who recovered from influenzalike syndrome and developed symptoms a week after upper respiratory tract symptoms.
A study of over 99,000 postmenopausal women found that consuming 58-74 grams of protein per day significantly reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Increasing protein intake by 10-20 grams daily can potentially lower this risk and has implications for cardiovascular health.
New research suggests that statin therapy may protect against heart damage caused by certain breast cancer therapies. A population-based study found a significantly lower risk of treatment-related heart failure among women taking statins while receiving anthracyclines or trastuzumab.
A recent investigation found that approximately one-third of people with heart failure are not being screened for iron deficiency, leading to avoidable hospital stays and increased costs. The study estimates that this undermanagement results in an additional £21.5 million per year spent on managing co-morbid patients.
A new study suggests that giving birth to a low-weight baby under 5.5 pounds may be an independent risk factor for developing changes in heart function that can lead to heart failure. Researchers found that women who experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia or pre-term birth, had a higher risk of heart failure at 30...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully used gene therapy to reverse cardiac dysfunction and scarring in two mouse models of Barth syndrome. The treatment, which replaced the mutated TAZ gene, prevented progressive cardiomyopathy and restored heart function in both whole-body and heart-only TAZ deletion mice.
Researchers found that liver fibrosis is tied to a specific type of heart failure, known as preserved ejection fraction heart failure (HFpEF), which affects people with and without HIV and hepatitis C. The study suggests that preventing liver fibrosis may be crucial in reducing the risk of HFpEF.
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that catheter ablation reduced the risk of death or hospitalization due to worsening heart failure in patients with both conditions. The study analyzed data from over 289,000 patients and showed an 18% reduction in risk for those who received ablation.
The DIASyM research cluster will use state-of-the-art mass spectrometry to analyze blood parameters of patients with heart failure and compare them to healthy individuals. This will help identify biomarkers and understand the interactions between biological processes, leading to new approaches for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention.
Researchers developed a non-invasive sensor patch that accurately predicted worsening heart failure and hospitalization among veterans with heart failure. The technology successfully detected worsening heart failure up to 6.5 days before hospital readmission, with an accuracy rate of over 80%.
A new wearable sensor and AI technology combo can predict worsening heart failure in patients up to 80% of the time, allowing for early intervention and potential prevention of rehospitalizations. The system has shown promising results in detecting changes in heart rate, rhythm, and other normal activities before a hospitalization occurs.
A large meta-analysis of SGLT2 inhibitor trials found consistent cardiovascular benefits in diverse subsets of patients with type 2 diabetes, including those without established cardiovascular disease. The study showed a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events, cardiovascular deaths, and hospitalizations for heart failure.
A microsimulation study found that nurse home visits improved health outcomes and reduced readmissions for patients with heart failure, while also being more effective than standard care. The intervention increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs, resulting in an ICER of $19,570 per QALY gained.
A University of Tsukuba study reveals that histamine, a key factor in inflammation, can control the severity of cardiorenal syndrome in mice. Histamine agonist drug prevents further damage in a mouse model of cardiorenal dysfunction, showing protective changes in gene expression.
Researchers have identified a link between abnormal calcium release and arrhythmias in heart failure, suggesting new therapies may improve early Ca2+ release. Restoration of AP phase 1 repolarization could mitigate defective excitation-contraction coupling and reduce sudden death risk.
A new analysis of patients on heart pumps found that the newer generation device provides better treatment outcomes regardless of initial therapy goals. The study suggests that categorizing patients into distinct groups may not be necessary, and a single treatment goal of extending survival and improving quality of life could suffice.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant association between malignant left ventricular hypertrophy and an increased risk of heart failure among black individuals. The study, published in the journal Circulation, suggests that early intervention can be beneficial in preventing future risk.
A new study found that cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease, are each linked with a higher risk of developing kidney failure. Adults hospitalized with heart failure had an 11.4-times higher risk of developing kidney failure than individuals without cardiovascular disease.
A UCLA-led study identified neuropeptide Y as a clear predictor of death in patients with stable heart failure. Patients with higher levels are 10 times more likely to die within one to three years.
A population study found that diabetes is an independent risk factor for heart failure, with 21% of diabetic patients developing heart failure over a 10-year period. This study supports the concept of diabetic cardiomyopathy and highlights the need for further research into this association.
Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who receive anthracycline chemotherapy are at higher risk of developing heart failure within one year. Researchers developed a risk score system to identify high-risk patients and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
A genetic variant found in 3% of individuals of African ancestry is a significant cause of heart failure, but it's significantly underdiagnosed. The FDA has approved a therapy for this condition, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A new study has identified a genetic variation that significantly increases the risk of heart failure in African and Latino Americans. The transthyretin or TTR V122I genetic variant was associated with an increased risk of heart failure, with patients being two-fold more likely to have the condition.
Researchers found that beta-blockers increase the risk of hospitalizations for heart failure among patients with 'stiff heart' heart failure, characterized by a normal squeeze but impaired relaxation of the heart muscle. Beta-blocker use was associated with a 74% higher risk of hospitalizations in this patient population.