Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
A study found that UK heart failure patients receive suboptimal care, with gaps in screening, follow-up, and medication doses disproportionately affecting women and older individuals. The study suggests improvements are needed in health services design to support high-quality care.
A UK study of 93,000 adults with heart failure reveals diagnostic tests, drug prescriptions, and follow-up patterns are suboptimal, particularly for women and those over 75 years old. The research highlights the need for improved care systems to address these gaps in chronic disease management.
A novel therapeutic approach occluding the superior vena cava shows promise in reducing pressure and volume in heart failure patients. The treatment improves cardiac filling pressures and function without affecting systemic blood pressure or output.
A machine learning algorithm using eight variables has been developed to predict sudden cardiac death and heart failure death in heart failure patients. The study found a high accuracy rate of 0.87 for predicting all events, and 0.74 and 0.91 for arrhythmic events and heart failure death respectively.
A study of over 4,500 participants found that those under 75 who closely followed the DASH diet had a significantly lower risk of developing heart failure. The research suggests that the DASH diet can reduce heart failure risk by almost half, making it a promising element in primary prevention.
Death rates due to heart failure are increasing among younger adults under 65, with black men under age 65 facing the largest increase in premature death. The study found that an estimated 6 million adults in the US have heart failure, which is the number one reason older adults are admitted to hospital.
A recent survey reveals that nearly half of the public incorrectly believes heart failure is a normal part of aging, highlighting low awareness among both patients and the general public. Exercise has been found to be beneficial for patients with heart failure, with over half recognizing its potential as a treatment option.
A study presented at EuroHeartCare 2019 found that fitter heart failure patients have healthier brain function and are less likely to have cognitive impairment. Exercise has been shown to improve cognition in older adults and may also benefit heart failure patients.
A new study highlights the growing need for cardio-oncology services to monitor and prevent heart disease in cancer patients. The research found that many cancer survivors are not fully aware of the risks of cardiotoxicity and lack understanding of a balanced diet, making them more susceptible to heart failure.
Researchers have found that the drug Tadalafil, used to treat erectile dysfunction, slows or even reverses the progression of heart failure in sheep. The study suggests that the drug may also be effective in humans, offering new hope for treatment of this devastating condition.
A new study of 2.8 million UK adults found that higher BMI is associated with a significant increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, heart failure, high blood pressure, and premature death. Adults with severe obesity class III are 12 times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Researchers aim to understand molecular mechanisms behind dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), two leading causes of heart failure. The study seeks to identify key genes and proteins involved in these conditions.
Researchers found a significant reduction in strokes and heart attacks with low-dose blood thinner use in patients with worsening heart failure or coronary artery disease. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, suggests that this strategy may improve outcomes for patients at risk of subsequent issues.
A new study found that plant-based diets can lower the risk of heart failure in adults without known heart disease, while Southern diets are linked to higher risk. The study examined five dietary patterns and their association with incident heart failure hospitalizations.
Empagliflozin improved heart function, reduced pulmonary congestion, and enhanced systolic function in pigs with induced heart failure. The drug addressed heart failure by improving cardiac metabolism, boosting energy production and reducing glucose consumption.
A breakthrough treatment has been found to protect against kidney failure and cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes. The study showed a significant reduction in kidney failure and cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, by up to 30%.
A team of UT Southwestern researchers has created a groundbreaking two-hit model to combat HFpEF, a type of heart failure with no effective treatments. By combining high-fat diets with blood pressure-raising drugs, they replicated the human condition and provided an accurate biological picture that can advance treatment development.
A combination of over-the-counter antioxidants shows promise for mitigating damaging effects of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Treatment improved markers of vascular function and inflammation in some patients, suggesting a simple and readily available option to improve vascular health.
A study found that heart failure patients are more likely to use the medication ivabradine when it is prescribed before hospital discharge. This can lead to a reduction in heart rate and improved outcomes. However, adoption of the therapy has been slow due to high cost and provider lack of familiarity.
A University of Guelph study found that the circadian mechanism affects cognition and mood in heart failure patients, suggesting ways to prevent and treat both conditions. The research may lead to new strategies to improve patients' quality of life.
A new study by NYU School of Medicine found that shorter stays in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are associated with a higher risk of hospital readmission among elderly heart failure patients. Patients who stayed at SNFs for two days or less had a risk four times higher than those who stayed longer.
Researchers at Ohio State University College of Medicine have identified a metabolic process in the heart that, if treated, could prevent or slow the progression of heart failure. By normalizing a reactive fat compound called acyl-CoA, the hearts retained their ability to burn fat and generate energy.
A recent study found that remote monitoring of implanted defibrillators in heart failure patients significantly reduces the rate of hospitalization and death. The trial showed a lower rate of primary endpoint (39.5%) compared to standard care (48.5%), with reduced cardiovascular deaths and hospitalizations.
The HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) significantly reduces strokes, pump-related blood clots, and bleeding episodes compared to the older HeartMate II. This trial enrolled 1,028 patients with advanced heart failure, showing a 40% reduction in risk favoring the HeartMate 3.
The CardioMEMS sensor reduced heart failure hospitalizations by 58% across all patient groups, including women and minorities. The device also lowered rates of all-cause hospitalizations for conditions like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have created a smarter automatic defibrillator that accurately tracks stroke volume in addition to ECG readings. This update aims to deliver shocks only when needed, potentially preventing traumatic shocks and improving patient outcomes.
Patients with heart failure and a leaking heart valve who underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair reported significant improvements in quality of life after two years. The study found that patients treated with the procedure had better rates of survival and fewer symptoms, leading to improved daily activities.
A new study by the European Society of Cardiology found that a more precise placement of the left ventricular lead improves cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) outcomes. The trial compared two methods for positioning the lead and found an absolute increase in left ventricular ejection fraction of 4% with electrical guidance.
Dapagliflozin significantly decreases rates of death from cardiovascular causes and death from all causes among patients with reduced ejection fraction. It also reduces heart failure hospitalizations across all patients, regardless of ejection fraction or heart failure status.
The final results of MOMENTUM 3 show that the HeartMate 3 left-ventricular assist device markedly reduced re-operation due to pump malfunctions, lowering risk of bleeding events and strokes. The study found significant reductions in pump-related thrombosis, strokes and mucosal bleeding compared to the previous generation of cardiac pumps.
A multidisciplinary team-based approach involving cardiac and maternal/fetal/newborn specialists saved the life of a pregnant woman with heart failure. The team successfully managed her care for seven weeks, delivering the baby prematurely but saving both mom and child.
The researchers developed a molecule called SAMβA that not only stabilizes but regresses heart failure in rats. The molecule improves the heart's capacity to pump blood and reduces oxidative stress in heart cells.
A study published in The BMJ found a genetic link between high testosterone levels and increased risk of blood clots, heart failure, and heart attacks in men. Researchers suggest that treatments lowering testosterone levels could help protect against these conditions, particularly in men.
The study found that activity of the ActRII pathway increases with aging and heart failure, leading to cardiac dysfunction. Inhibiting this pathway can improve cardiac function in animal models of heart failure, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy for the deadly disease.
A high-fat diet and aging are associated with inflammation in heart failure, as well as changes to the gut microbiome. In mice, a calorie-dense diet altered the composition of the gut microbiome and increased neutrophils, leading to nonresolving inflammation.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that patients in Northern Ontario had higher hospital readmission rates for heart conditions, despite similar survival rates at 30 days. The researchers suggest providing timely transitional care and improving access to specialist care as key strategies to reduce readmissions.
This CVIA special issue addresses the #1 threat to women's health, cardiovascular disease, with a focus on overlooked topics and fresh perspectives. Key findings include novel imaging modalities for diagnosing stable ischemic heart disease in women and psychosocial stressors uniquely affecting female cardiovascular risk.
A study led by McMaster University found that providing additional health-care services to help heart failure patients transition from hospital to home does not improve their outcome. Despite this, patients receiving the intervention reported improvements in discharge preparedness and quality of life.
A large UK study found that heart failure survival rates have only improved modestly since 2000, with significant disparities in outcomes across different socioeconomic groups. The research highlights the need for increased investment in heart failure services to address these inequalities.
A personalized decision aid failed to help surrogate decision makers and clinicians agree on treatment goals for critically ill patients. Nearly all surrogates chose a more aggressive treatment goal despite the aid being based on their patient's values.
Scientists identify epigenetic marker and genes that cause heart failure in fruit fly offspring, even when fed a normal diet. Reversing the epigenetic modification or over-expressing these genes protects subsequent generations from negative heart effects.
Researchers have identified a key molecule named PI3K alpha that binds to gelsolin and suppresses its enzyme activity, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. The discovery offers potential for targeted therapies in patients with heart failure.
A study found that standard assessment tools can accurately determine which residents are most at risk of hospitalization or death. Residents with a history of heart failure were more likely to be hospitalized and have higher mortality rates.
A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals that a functional heart cell defect may be the underlying cause of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare form of heart failure. The research found that levels of STAT3 protein were higher in PPCM patients' heart cells than in healthy women, and that a defect in releasing growth factors was ...
A study suggests that older adults with newly diagnosed heart failure can continue to drink moderate amounts without worsening their condition. Moderate drinkers had an average survival benefit of over a year longer than abstainers.
A study of 393 patients found that limited alcohol consumption was associated with increased survival, with an average additional year of life at 383 days compared to abstinence. However, the optimal levels of alcohol consumption for adults with heart failure remain unknown.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found catheter ablation superior to conventional drug therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The procedure was associated with reduced all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalizations, and improved quality of life.
A large-scale study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology found that the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program may be associated with an increase in patient-level mortality. The researchers evaluated trends in mortality among Medicare patients hospitalized for heart failure, a hear...
Researchers discovered that metformin relaxes the key heart muscle protein titin, allowing the heart to properly fill with blood before pumping it around the body. This reduces blood supply to the rest of the body, leading to shortness of breath with exertion and difficulty exercising.
Patients with heart failure who receive early follow-up by a physician within 7 days of emergency department discharge have lower risk of death and hospital admissions. The study found that 47% of patients were seen by a physician within a week, with the lowest death rate in those who received care within 7 days.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new model of cardiac muscle cells that can pump together, potentially treating heart failure. The newly created cardiac muscle cells were made to work cohesively through the over-expression of a protein called CREG.
A study analyzing 6,000 people found that tracking a patient's weight history from young adulthood can provide valuable insights into their future risk of heart failure. The investigation showed that maintaining a normal weight over the lifespan is ideal, while obesity at specific ages significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
A new study found that flu vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of premature death and cardiovascular death in heart failure patients. The study analyzed data on 134,048 patients with newly diagnosed heart failure over a 12-year period.
A study found that obese patients with 'metabolically healthy obesity' had less deterioration in heart structure and function, leading to better survival rates. Metabolically healthy obese patients also had the best chance of survival compared to those with metabolic risk factors.
A meta-analysis of clinical trials found that home telemedicine programs for heart failure patients decrease mortality six months after hospitalization, but lose effectiveness after one year. The analysis also showed that these programs increase the odds of all-cause emergency room visits.
Researchers found that curcumin treatment improved muscle function and exercise capacity in mice with heart failure and healthy controls. Curcumin also increased Nrf2 activation and antioxidant enzyme levels, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy to improve quality of life for people with heart failure.
A study found top-ranked hospitals for cardiovascular care had lower 30-day mortality rates for heart attack, heart failure, and CABG compared to non-ranked hospitals. However, readmission rates were either similar or higher at the top-ranked hospitals, raising concerns about the accuracy of this metric.
Fetal single ventricle defects can be identified with echocardiograms, but irregular filling mechanics may contribute to defects in developing fetal hearts. Researchers are exploring how flow patterns affect outcome and could use fluid dynamics to advance the mechanistic understanding of heart failure in children.
Researchers have identified a gene called lrrc10 that may hold the key to repairing damaged hearts in fish. The study found that this gene is already linked to a heart condition in people and could potentially be used to develop new treatments for heart failure, which affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK.
Genetic analysis of African ancestry found a correlation with increased risk factors for heart failure, including thicker left ventricles and higher ECG voltages. This study suggests that African ancestry may be associated with an increased risk of heart failure in young adults.