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Brush your teeth to protect the heart

A nationwide cohort study in Korea found that frequent tooth brushing reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure by 10% and 12%, respectively. The study suggests a potential mechanism: reducing bacteria in the subgingival biofilm, which can prevent translocation to the bloodstream.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 2, 2019

Improving the odds for patients with heart pumps

A new Yale study found a clear association between neurohormonal blockade therapy and increased survival and quality of life for patients with left ventricular assist devices. The study, which analyzed over 12,000 patients, showed a 56% survival rate for those taking NHB therapy compared to 43.9% for those not on the medications.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 19, 2019

Artificial intelligence tool predicts life expectancy in heart failure patients

Researchers developed an AI algorithm based on electronic health records data that accurately predicted life expectancy for heart failure patients, achieving an 88% success rate. The model identified eight readily available variables to determine low- and high-risk of death, providing valuable insight for informed medical decisions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·DateNov 13, 2019

Loosen up!

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that exercise can reduce artery stiffness associated with heart failure. Regardless of intensity level or duration, any type of physical activity was beneficial for heart health compared to no exercise at all.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateOct 22, 2019

Heart failure and the obesity paradox

Researchers found that overweight individuals had the lowest mortality risk among those with established heart failure, contrary to previous expectations. The 'obesity paradox' suggests that obese patients may tolerate disease-modifying and prognostic medications better than non-obese patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHeart·DateOct 3, 2019

New findings enable more heart donations

A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that hearts from donors with acute stress-induced cardiomyopathy can be safely transplanted without affecting recipient outcomes. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the supply of donor hearts, estimated at 20-30%.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateSep 26, 2019

New research shows dapagliflozin used to treat diabetes can also

Research suggests dapagliflozin can reduce death and hospitalization rates in patients with heart failure, as well as improve health-related quality of life. The study found a 26% reduced risk of primary outcome in the dapagliflozin group compared to placebo, with benefits seen in both patients with and without type 2 diabetes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 19, 2019

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 3 (DPP3) cause of acute myocardial depression

A novel disease mechanism links circulating DPP3 to cardiac and renal dysfunction, with sustained high DPP3 levels associated with reduced cardiac function, impaired kidney function, and increased mortality. The DPP3 biomarker has high potential utility in diagnosing organ dysfunction and predicting outcomes in cardiogenic shock patients.

Sourcesphingotec GmbH·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·DateAug 31, 2019

HIV infection may increase heart failure and stroke risk

A large health insurance database analysis reveals people living with HIV have a significantly higher risk of heart failure and stroke. Researchers found a 3.2-times increased risk of heart failure and 2.7-times increased risk of stroke in those living with HIV compared to uninfected individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 3, 2019

More heart failure patients may benefit from CRT defibrillator

A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) may improve heart function in certain groups of heart failure patients, particularly those with nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD) and a QRS duration of more than 150 milliseconds. In these patients, CRT-D was associated with decreased...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 17, 2019