Articles tagged with Heart Failure
A study found that calorie restriction or aerobic exercise training improved ability to exercise without shortness of breath in obese older patients with a common type of heart failure. The combination of exercise and diet resulted in the largest increase in exercise capacity.
Scientists found that brief exposure to 'asynchrony' using a pacemaker can reverse cellular damage, fix damaged motor proteins in the heart muscle, and boost the heart's response to hormones like adrenaline. The therapy uses alternating electrical shocks to push the heart into normal synchronization for part of each day.
A study found that people scoring well on the Life's Simple 7 checklist for a healthy heart have lower risk of developing heart failure. The measures include managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels, as well as getting physically active, eating better, losing weight, and quitting smoking.
Temple researcher Arthur M. Feldman warns that the newly approved heart drug Entresto may increase patients' risk of Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration. The drug was approved for heart failure via the FDA's fast-track program, but its cognitive risks have not been fully tested.
The new Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) journal has published its first issue, featuring a special focus on heart failure. Key findings include strategies to reduce heart failure readmission rates and the use of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring for improved management.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that sacubitril-valsartan can extend life expectancy by one to two years for heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. The therapy, currently used as standard care, was shown to improve overall survival by 16% and reduce hospitalization rates.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a gene that appears to reduce the risk of heart failure and improve treatment outcomes. The gene codes for a protein involved in regulating sleep, appetite, and blood pressure, which may play a protective role in the heart.
Research published in Circulation found adults with congenital heart defects to be at substantially higher risk of experiencing a stroke, especially before age 55. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were the most prevalent types.
New research from the American Heart Association found that heart failure patients who face lack of social support and practical barriers such as transportation are less likely to benefit from supervised aerobic physical activity. In contrast, those with higher perceived social support and fewer barriers exercised more, on average.
The expanded coverage includes patients on optimal medical therapy and those with less than 35% ejection fraction. Newly eligible patients have lower hospital readmissions compared to those previously eligible for cardiac rehabilitation.
A recent study found that alcohol abuse is associated with a 70% increased risk of developing congestive heart failure among adults, particularly those under 60 years old and without high blood pressure. The study analyzed over 858,000 patients from California healthcare databases between 2005-2009.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine analyzed CRIC data to find that larger left atrium size is associated with an increased risk of heart failure among CKD patients. This finding provides valuable insights into identifying high-risk patients who require closer monitoring and targeted interventions.
A study found that isosorbide mononitrate, a common medication for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), did not improve exercise tolerance or daily activity levels in patients. The drug actually decreased daily activity by 18 minutes per day at the highest dose.
A new class of type 2 diabetes drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors, have been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths from heart failure. The EMPA-REG trial found that patients treated with the drug experienced significant reductions in blood sugar, blood pressure, weight loss, and major hospitalizations for heart failure.
Vericiguat did not significantly reduce natriuretic peptide levels in patients with worsening chronic heart failure, but was well-tolerated. Further clinical trials are needed to determine its potential role for this patient population.
The FIGHT study found that liraglutide, a type-2 diabetes drug, did not improve the clinical stability or pumping action of the heart in patients with advanced heart failure. Researchers discovered no significant favorable effects of liraglutide on heart function or quality of life among participants.
A study found low rates of laboratory monitoring for patients with heart failure following MRA initiation, with only 7% receiving appropriate testing. Key factors associated with increased monitoring included atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease.
A large study has linked consumption of at least two daily glasses of sweetened drinks to a heightened risk of heart failure in men. The researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 men in Sweden and found that those who drank two or more glasses per day were 23% more likely to develop heart failure compared to non-consumers.
A systematic review of heart failure drug effectiveness found only six studies provided usable data due to difficulties accessing author contact information. The researchers argue that improved data sharing mechanisms are needed to prevent selective reporting and research fraud.
A BMJ study reveals barriers to accessing heart failure drug trial data, highlighting the risks of not doing so. Researchers urge funders and institutions to make data sharing a mandatory requirement to prevent erroneous clinical decisions.
A new animal study published in the American Journal of Physiology found that a low dose of thyroid hormone improved cardiac tissue and function in female rats with high blood pressure. The treatment safely restored normal thyroid hormone levels and prevented scar tissue accumulation, leading to overall improvement in heart function.
A team of researchers at the University of Virginia Health System is exploring the link between glucose metabolism and heart function. They aim to identify a therapeutic window where intervention can prevent cardiac dysfunction and subsequent heart failure.
Research finds that higher levels of physical activity lower heart failure risk in the general population. Current U.S. guidelines may not be enough to reduce the risk, suggesting stronger recommendations are necessary.
A cognitive behavior therapy intervention was effective in reducing depression in heart failure patients, but failed to improve self-care and physical functioning. The study suggests that CBT may be a superior treatment option for depression in this population.
Researchers found that concentrated beet juice increases muscle power in patients with heart failure by up to 13% within two hours, benefiting activities of daily living. The study suggests dietary nitrates may be a valuable strategy for improving quality of life in this population.
Researchers find PCMH costs per physician FTE were $7,691 in Utah and $9,658 in Colorado. Family physicians with high HIV experience are more likely to adhere to antiretroviral therapy protocols. Adequate compensation is critical for practices to sustain medical home services.
A Phase 3 clinical trial has been launched to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel RNAi investigational agent for treating patients with transthyretin-mediated familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy (FAC). The first US patient, Leon Silas, 76, was enrolled in the study after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2011.
A new analysis of the TECOS study adds heart failure data to confirm sitagliptin's cardiovascular safety. The findings provide reassurance to patients and prescribers about the drug's risk profile.
The ELIXA trial demonstrated that lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, did not increase or decrease the rate of cardiovascular events compared to placebo. The study found a modest benefit in weight gain, but also identified patients with heart failure as being at high risk of all-cause death.
The ALBATROSS study found that mineralocortoid receptor antagonists do not provide a benefit to heart attack patients without heart failure. However, in a subgroup of STEMI patients, MRA treatment may have a potential mortality benefit.
A small left ventricle with thick walls is the strongest predictor of morphologic remodelling, a first step towards heart failure. This unexpected finding could change risk stratification among patients with stable coronary artery disease.
A recent study by Allina Health found that inpatient palliative care visits improved quality of life and symptom burden for heart failure patients. The research identified key actions taken by PC providers to create positive outcomes among study patients.
A new study led by UCSF researchers found that individuals with higher blood levels of growth factor proteins GDF11 and myostatin have a lower risk of cardiovascular problems and death from these events. This association suggests the possibility of using drugs to increase GDF11 levels as a treatment for heart disease.
A UCLA-led study found that only 1 in 10 heart failure patients are referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program after hospitalization, despite strong evidence of its benefits. The study's findings point to the need for improved awareness and strategies to increase referrals.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that delaying surgery for severe mitral regurgitation until symptoms appear doubles the risk of postoperative mortality and heart failure. Early surgery, on the other hand, provides the best long-term outcomes, with lower mortality and congestive heart failur...
Researchers from MDC and Charité elucidate the process of skeletal muscle atrophy in patients with congestive heart failure, identifying a new regulator and signaling pathway. The study reveals that angiotensin II induces muscle atrophy through the activation of MuRF1, but also highlights potential therapeutic targets to prevent furthe...
Researchers discovered KLF4's pivotal role in controlling mitochondrial biology, which produces energy for cells. The study found that a lack of KLF4 leads to reduced energy production, particularly problematic in the heart, leading to heart failure and death.
A study found that hospitals penalized in the HAC Reduction Program often offered advanced services, were major teaching institutions, and had better performance on other measures. However, hospitals with higher quality scores were penalized more frequently, suggesting measurement issues with the program.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder characterized by weakened heart pumping, affecting otherwise healthy pregnant women. A new study highlights the need for further investigation into prevention and treatment options, as current evidence is scarce and of poor quality.
A new UCLA study found that sepsis accounts for a significant percentage of hospital readmissions in California, with an estimated annual cost of $500 million. The study also revealed disparities in readmission rates among different demographics, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this critical issue.
The Bcl-Rambo protein is involved in safely clearing damaged mitochondria from cells, a process called mitophagy. Controlled regulation of this protein may help limit the development of heart failure. Further research is needed to develop methods to control its activity.
Researchers at UCSF found that frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are associated with heart failure incidents and increased mortality. PVCs can be prevented through medical or ablation therapy, suggesting they may be a modifiable risk factor for congestive heart failure and death.
A new national study will develop guidelines for patients released from the emergency room after treatment for suspected acute heart failure symptoms. The Wayne State University School of Medicine and Detroit Receiving Hospital will serve as a site for the three-year project, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
A study of 2,500 young adults found that even mild elevations in blood pressure can lead to subclinical heart damage by middle age. Persistent high blood pressure is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but the new study suggests that 'high-normal' pressure may also be a concern.
A team of researchers found that the contractile function of fruit flies' hearts is improved when overexpressing vinculin, a protein that accumulates at higher levels in aging rats and humans. This improvement leads to longer lifespans in genetically modified flies.
Researchers have discovered the 'bicycle spoke' structure of healthy heart cells, which carries an electrical signal through the cell. After a heart attack, this structure is lost and leads to damaged heart muscle and potential heart failure. The study aims to find out why this process happens and develop strategies to intervene.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that lixisenatide did not increase risk of cardiovascular events in a large, double-blind trial involving over 6,000 type 2 diabetes patients. The study's results provide reassurance for healthcare providers about the cardiovascular safety of this widely prescribed glucose-lowering drug.
A collaborative meta-analysis found that creatinine-based eGFR and albuminuria improve cardiovascular prediction, particularly for mortality and heart failure. The assessment of albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) outperformed traditional risk factors, suggesting its potential broad implications for cardiovascular risk classification.
Research presented at Heart Failure 2015 found that cognitive impairment is common in elderly heart failure patients, occurring in three-quarters of patients. The study also showed that cognitive impairment predicts a worse prognosis, with an increased risk of all-cause death and heart failure readmission.
Research presented at Heart Failure 2015 reveals moderate to severe depression is associated with a 5-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Patients with moderate to severe depression had an 80% lower mortality risk compared to those without or mild depression.
Joint recommendations from the Heart Failure Association, European Society of Emergency Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine emphasize urgent diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure. The guidelines outline tests, treatments, and management strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity.
A study found that readmissions for severe sepsis are comparable to those for heart failure and pneumonia, highlighting the significant burden of this condition. Researchers analyzed inpatient discharges from Bellevue Hospital between 2011-2014 and identified a readmission rate of 15.31%.
Researchers at UT Dallas developed a predictive analytics model to identify congestive heart failure patients with high readmission risk. The study found that health IT systems can reduce readmissions, with hospitals implementing cardiology and administrative information systems exhibiting lower readmission rates.
Researchers at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a gene therapy approach that targets and corrects genetic mutations linked to heart failure. The treatment uses molecular scissors to cut out diseased genes and replace them with normal ones, restoring healthy cardiac cell function.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients with low health literacy are 34% more likely to die after hospitalization for acute heart failure. Healthcare providers should be aware of their patients' health literacy skills to provide clear medical instructions and improve patient outcomes.
Studies found that over 80% of heart failure patients consult with family members or friends about their symptoms before seeking medical care. Healthcare providers also use social networks to improve communication and care, with 90% reporting increased collaborations and networking through the VA Heart Failure Provider Network.
Two studies presented at the American Heart Association's Quality of Care and Outcomes Research 2015 Scientific Sessions found that more than one in four LVAD patients experience notable cognitive decline. Patients with poor overall health, including death, severe stroke, and poor quality of life, are also common outcomes.
The American College of Cardiology hosts sessions on cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment at the Asia Pacific Congress, focusing on the growing burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the region. The event aims to bring together global leaders to prevent heart disease and improve treatments.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that gratitude was associated with better mood, sleep, and reduced inflammation in patients with asymptomatic heart failure. Writing down things for which they were thankful daily also showed reductions in inflammatory biomarkers and improved heart rate variability.
Expert consensus statement provides new guidance to match right device with right patient, expanding treatment options for acutely and chronically ill cardiac patients. Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices offer superior circulatory support compared to medical therapy in certain cases.