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Acute kidney injury during hospitalization linked with higher risk of heart failure

A new study reveals that acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, particularly heart failure, in patients even after discharge from the hospital. Researchers found that AKI was linked to an 18% increased risk of composite outcomes including heart failure and atherosclerotic events.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 17, 2018

Hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury have increased risk of heart failure

A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that hospitalized patients with acute kidney injury have a 44% higher relative risk of heart failure within one year of discharge compared to those without acute kidney injury. This increased risk highlights the importance of monitoring for signs of heart failure in these patients.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 17, 2018

Opening a new door to immunity

Researchers uncover clue to disease process development by identifying novel way to control innate immune response, which may translate to treatments for conditions such as atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and heart failure. Animal studies support finding, showing mice with mutated sNASP proteins are more susceptible to septic infection.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2018

Heart failure: The Alzheimer's disease of the heart?

Researchers have identified protein clumping in the hearts of mice and people with heart failure, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions. The team used non-invasive PET scans to visualize the clumps, which could lead to advances in monitoring disease progression and testing new therapies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCirculation Research·DateMay 9, 2018

Expanded registry data shows continued positive results for the mitraclip device

The MitraClip device has demonstrated improved echocardiogram measurements and six-minute walk test outcomes, with significant reductions in left ventricle volume and NYHA classification. The study also showed substantial improvement in quality of life outcomes for patients with mitral valve regurgitation.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 26, 2018

CNIC scientists identify a promising target for the treatment of heart failure

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target, OMA1, which protects cardiomyocytes from death and deterioration in heart function when the heart is under stress. Inhibition of OMA1 prevents heart failure in models of chronic tachycardia, hypertension, and myocardial ischemia with cardiac hypertrophy.

Study supports biomarker assay for emergency department diagnosis of acute heart failure

A multi-institutional study validated age-based NT-proBNP diagnostic cutoff levels for diagnosing acute heart failure in patients seen at hospital emergency departments. The study found that a level below 300 strongly excluded a heart failure diagnosis, and the results were consistent across all groups of participants.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 22, 2018

Premature hearts less able to cope with exercise

A study published by the British Heart Foundation found that premature hearts are less able to cope with exercise, leading to increased risk of heart failure. Researchers compared the heart function of adults born prematurely to those carried to term and discovered a significant difference in blood leaving the heart during exercise.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 19, 2018

Cardiac macrophages found to contribute to a currently untreatable type of heart failure

A Massachusetts General Hospital team discovered that macrophages, immune cells known for removing debris, are actively involved in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Elevated levels of inflammatory cardiac macrophages were found in both mouse models and human patients with HFpEF.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2018

Patients with kidney disease with heart defibrillators at greater risk of hospitalization

A study by Kaiser Permanente and University of Washington found that patients with chronic kidney disease who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators experience a significantly increased risk of subsequent hospitalization. The use of ICDs was associated with a 49% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure and a 25% in...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Catheter ablation better than pharmacological atrial fibrillation therapies

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly lowers hospitalization and mortality rates compared to conventional drug therapies for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. Catheter ablation restored regular heart rhythm by isolating pulmonary veins an...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 31, 2018