Articles tagged with Heart Failure
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that implanted cardiac monitors detected a substantial incidence of previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AFib) in high-risk patients. The detection rate was nearly 30% at 18 months, with even higher rates at longer follow-up periods.
A new technique developed at McGill University has made it possible to study the behavior of individual sarcomeres in muscles. The researchers found that neighboring sarcomeres adjust to the activation of one single sarcomere, leading to a cooperative mechanism that is crucial for understanding muscle contraction.
A study by the University of São Paulo found that aerobic exercise facilitates the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria from heart cells, increasing energy supply and reducing toxic molecules. Regular exercise can help prevent heart failure and improve cardiac function.
A recent study found that vitamin D deficiency significantly increases the risk of heart failure in older individuals, with a 12.2-times higher risk observed. The study also revealed increased risks in men, obese individuals, and those with heart arrhythmias.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center report encouraging preclinical results on an experimental molecular treatment for heart failure. By inhibiting a protein that regulates the heart's response to adrenaline, they alleviated disease processes in mouse models of human heart failure.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans will investigate the potential efficacy of Exscien1-III, a patented three-part fusion protein designed to repair DNA damage and improve cardiovascular disease outcomes. The goal is to move the promising new drug toward human clinical trials.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys and Mayo Clinic have been awarded a three-year NIH grant to identify molecules that could become new medicines to inhibit myocardial fibrosis, a major cause of heart failure. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of novel approaches to fight disease.
Researchers have discovered a protein called cardiotrophin 1 (CT1) that can trick the heart into growing in a healthy way and pumping more blood. CT1 also repairs heart damage and improves blood flow in animal models of heart failure.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal reveals that gestational exposure to diesel exhaust can modify DNA in the developing embryo and increase susceptibility to adult heart failure. Researchers identified specific gene expression effects and DNA methylation changes that may play a role in mediating adult sensitivity to heart failure.
Researchers found that elevated levels of protein Cdk8 in heart muscle cells lead to declining heart function and heart failure. The study suggests modifying gene expression may provide a path to preventive treatments for heart failure.
The latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) brings together a diverse set of papers on various cardiovascular topics. The journal features original articles, reviews, commentaries, and case reports on topics such as telemedicine, heart failure, and cholesterol crystals.
A Yale-led study analyzing data from 2008-2014 found that reducing hospital readmission rates for heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia does not increase mortality rates. The research suggests that hospitals' efforts to keep patients out of the hospital may have actually improved mortality outcomes through better preparedness, tim...
A new registry study highlights the unique characteristics of heart failure patients in Asia, including younger age and higher co-morbidity rates compared to Western populations. The study also reveals underutilization of potentially life-saving implantable cardiac defibrillators in Asia.
A study found that age and obesity create a perfect storm that damages the tiny blood vessels that directly feed the heart muscle, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart failure. The inflammation caused by both factors thickens the walls of these microvasculature, making them less able to dilate and sustain the heart.
Researchers at Temple University have identified a novel mechanism underlying the efficacy of common heart failure drug beta-blockers. The study reveals that dysfunctional beta-adrenergic receptor 3 and decreased levels of cardioprotective phospholipid sphingosine 1-phosphate contribute to treatment resistance in some patients.
Researchers at York University found that beta blockers can reverse detrimental gene expression patterns in heart failure. The study suggests that this reversal may be protective against heart failure and could lead to new treatments.
The number of US hospitalizations for heart failure decreased by 30% from 2002 to 2013, but significant racial and gender disparities remained. Hospitalization rates were higher among men and blacks compared to women and whites.
Patients with acute heart failure and diabetes show unique signs of kidney health and inflammation compared to those without diabetes. Different treatment strategies may be needed for diabetic patients with acute heart failure due to these differences.
A study by University of Leeds researchers found that heart attack patients without heart failure did not live longer with beta blockers, but were still prescribed the medication at a rate of 95%. The findings raise concerns about unnecessary medication costs and the need for further research.
Researchers discovered a receptor protein on heart cells that promotes chronic heart failure, and found that inhibiting it could help treat the disease. The study suggests that targeting this protein could lead to new treatments for millions of people affected by chronic heart failure.
A new paper-based test strip could enable doctors and patients to monitor heart failure conditions at home, using smartphone apps for analysis. The test strip detects antigens ST2 and BNP, providing insights into the progression of the disease.
A recent study found that patients with heart failure may not benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) if they have low predicted risk of death and sudden cardiac death. The researchers identified a subgroup of patients who received significant survival benefits from ICDs, while others did not.
A registry-based study of 2.6 million individuals found that children born preterm are 17 times more likely to suffer heart failure than those born at full term. The study also suggests that the risk may remain in early adulthood.
Researchers found that heart failure patients with a history of stroke had greater risks of depression, hospitalization, and death compared to those without a history of stroke. Patients with both conditions died an average of five months earlier and were more likely to be rehospitalized or die.
A novel tablet, OPTILOGG, is helping heart failure patients to manage their condition by providing education, registering body weight, and titrating diuretics. Patients' self-care behaviors improved significantly, with a median score decrease of 10.5 points or 37%.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified a potential new therapeutic approach to treat heart failure by targeting inflammation and fibrosis. The study found that a cancer drug called JQ1 can effectively treat severe, pre-established heart failure in both small animal and human cell models.
Researchers at University of Guelph have found a hormonal imbalance in the brain causes breathlessness in heart failure patients. Using existing hormone-suppressing drugs, they were able to effectively treat this condition and improve patients' quality of life.
A study of 3.5 million people found that 'metabolically healthy' obese individuals have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease events, including heart failure and stroke, compared to normal-weight individuals with no metabolic abnormalities. The study also showed that the risk of CVD events increases with the number of metabolic abnor...
A study published in JAMA found that high-dose iron pills did not improve exercise capacity in patients with a certain type of heart failure and iron deficiency. The researchers concluded that oral iron supplementation is not effective in improving functional capacity in these patients.
Postmenopausal women with shorter reproductive duration, earlier age at menopause, or who never gave birth are at higher risk for heart failure. Women with diastolic heart failure, a type of heart failure affecting the left side of the heart, also face increased risk.
A new analysis reveals heart failure patients experience worse survival rates than prostate cancer and breast cancer survivors, but better outcomes compared to lung cancer and ovarian cancer. The study highlights the continued burden of heart failure as a major public health concern.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that women with atrial fibrillation/flutter experienced higher death rates than men 30 and 90 days after discharge from emergency departments. The study analyzed data from 21,062 patients and identified differences in outcomes between male and female patients.
A meta-analysis of prospective studies reveals that individuals with non-O blood groups (A, B, AB) are at a higher risk of heart attacks and overall cardiovascular mortality. The study found a 9% increased risk of coronary events and cardiovascular mortality in non-O blood group carriers compared to O blood group carriers.
A randomized clinical trial found that ivabradine did not improve outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Elevated heart rate is a predictive factor of worse outcomes in these patients, contradicting previous research that suggested benefits for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
A new classification system identifies distinct patient profiles with varying outcomes in acute heart failure hospitalizations. The study provides valuable insights for early triage and treatment decisions.
A study of over 20,000 heart failure patients found that unemployment is associated with a 50% increased risk of death and 12% higher risk of rehospitalization for heart failure. Employment status was also linked to morbidity and mortality in younger patients.
Serelaxin, a hormone with vasodilatory effects, failed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in the phase 3 RELAX-AHF-2 trial. Despite initial promising results from previous studies, serelaxin showed no significant benefit in reducing worsening heart failure or all-cause mortality.
In a recent editorial, Saint Louis University cardiologist Paul J. Hauptman emphasizes the need for patient-centric symptom relief as a primary goal in treating worsening heart failure. His review of the TRUE-AHF trial suggests that ularitide has limited short-term effects and may not improve longer-term survival.
A study published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology shows that left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can fully restore heart function in some patients. Researchers found that 38% of individuals who recover enough to allow device removal demonstrated equivalent heart function to healthy individuals.
Researchers used patient's own muscle stem cells to create patches that were surgically glued onto the surface of patients' hearts. One year after treatment, patients showed improvements in exercise capacity and heart function, suggesting this cell patch may be a viable therapy for treating heart failure.
Research published in ENDO 2017 found that patients with more severe heart failure are associated with higher TSH and T4 levels, lower T3 levels, and increased risk of needing mechanical assistance or death. Subclinical hypothyroidism is also linked to worse survival outcomes.
A study found that heart failure patients who transition to skilled nursing facilities are 50 percent more likely to end up back in the hospital. The researchers identified a key factor in estimating likelihood of rehospitalization as the patient's ability to carry on daily activities upon entering the facility.
A new study from MU researchers has identified a protein that can be targeted to decrease post-heart attack injury and prevent heart failure in a mouse model. The research used ultrasound technology to deliver a protein inhibitor directly to the hearts of mice, resulting in a 72% decrease in heart damage compared to control groups.
A German survey found that overall awareness of heart failure has not increased over the past decade, with many adults lacking knowledge on its causes, presentation, prognosis, and treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about heart failure to improve early recognition and treatment.
A new study found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) taking digoxin are at a higher risk of death, regardless of heart failure status. The risk increases with higher levels of digoxin in the bloodstream.
A small case report suggests that Zika-linked birth defects may only be 'tip of the iceberg' when it comes to cardiovascular complications. Eight of nine patients developed dangerous arrhythmias and six experienced heart failure, with symptoms manifesting on average 10 days after initial complaints.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that marijuana use is associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart failure. Even after accounting for other health conditions and lifestyle risk factors, marijuana use was independently linked to a 26% increase in stroke risk and a 10% increase in heart failure risk.
Research reveals PPCM is a global disease, presenting uniformly despite differences in healthcare systems and ethnic groups. Women with PPCM often experience heart failure and blood clots, highlighting the need for increased awareness and timely treatment.
Two studies presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that US heart failure patients experience higher hospitalization rates and mortality during winter. The studies also showed increased costs per hospitalization for heart failure during the colder months.
Patients with Type 2 diabetes and acute heart failure have a significantly lower risk of death if they have high systolic blood pressure, but are more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. The study found that those with a systolic blood pressure above 150 mmHg were 45% less likely to die, but 47% more likely to be hospitalized.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a molecule that works to restore balance to pathways responsible for chronic and acute heart failure. The new drug, developed through genetic mapping technology, has shown safety and efficacy in phase II clinical trials.
A new study validates the Ottawa Heart Failure Risk Scale (OHFRS) as a reliable predictor of serious adverse events in acute heart failure patients. The OHFRS, combined with NT-ProBNP blood test results, improves prediction accuracy, enabling safer hospital discharge decisions and reducing unnecessary admissions.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology discovered hydraulic forces aid heart filling. The study suggests reducing atrium size can improve heart function in patients with heart failure.
Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that inactivity and excess weight are strongly associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, which has a poor five-year survival rate of around 30-40%. Increasing physical activity levels and reducing weight may be crucial for combating this growing disease.
Activated T-cells play a crucial role in promoting heart failure after a heart attack by attacking heart muscle tissue. Targeting specific T-cell subsets at defined stages of disease may represent a better therapeutic approach to improve heart failure outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that increased physical activity and lower body mass index (BMI) are associated with a reduced risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a subtype of heart failure. The research, which pooled data from three cohort studies invol...
A Swedish study found that patients registered in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry had a remarkable 35% lower risk of death compared to unregistered patients. This improvement is attributed to better medication and quality care, with registered patients more likely to receive essential heart failure medications.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina discover a peptide that reverses cardiac fibrosis and improves heart function without toxicity. The study uses a transverse aortic constriction mouse model to demonstrate the peptide's effectiveness in halting and reversing fibrotic ventricular wall thickness.
A new study published in Circulation shows that supervised exercise training can improve the pumping function of a damaged heart and reduce hospitalization rates. Patients who performed 3,000 steps in 30 minutes at moderate intensity experienced significant benefits, including decreased strain on the heart and improved oxygen uptake.
A study analyzing over 1.5 million Medicare records found that ICU care for COPD, heart failure, and heart attack patients may not be more beneficial than regular hospital care, with significant differences in cost of care.