Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
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 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.
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...
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study has found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with a nearly 50% greater risk of developing heart failure among veterans. The research adds to growing evidence linking PTSD and heart disease, suggesting a potential causal relationship between the two conditions.
A collaborative study by 11 major US healthcare providers found that psychiatric comorbidities increase 30-day readmissions for heart failure, AMI, and pneumonia. The study suggests that depression, anxiety, and substance abuse may be key targets for screening efforts to reduce readmission rates.
Scientists have identified PDE-9 as the long-sought culprit in heart failure by analyzing lab animals and human heart cells. The enzyme interferes with the body's natural 'braking' system, leading to progressive weakening and stiffening of the heart muscle.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that catheter ablation significantly reduces atrial fibrillation symptoms and hospitalization rates compared to Amiodarone in heart failure patients. Patients who underwent catheter ablation had a higher rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation after two years, with 71% being symptom-...
A comprehensive study of over 95,000 patients found that glucose-lowering therapies prescribed to diabetes patients may pose an increased risk for the development of heart failure. The study showed a 14% overall increased risk of heart failure with intensive blood sugar-lowering drugs or strategies.
A new study finds that carotid baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) improves NYHA Class, quality of life scores and exercise capacity in symptomatic advanced heart failure patients receiving optimum drug therapy. BAT was safely implanted with few complications and no adverse effects.
The study found that Bendavia did not prevent irreversible injury to the heart but showed a trend towards improved heart pumping function. The drug is well-tolerated but lacks significant benefits in reducing scarring from angioplasty after a heart attack.
A new study found that monitoring calcitriol levels can predict cardiovascular death in chronic heart failure patients. The ratio of calcitriol to parathyroid hormone was also strongly related to heart failure severity and mortality.
A study published in Cell Reports identified RBFox2 as a critical protein in the progression from weakened heart muscle to heart failure. The researchers found that reduced RBFox2 expression coincides with weakening of the heart muscle, suggesting a causal role in heart failure.
A study has quantified the average number of heart failure-free years a person gains by not developing risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes by age 45. The results show that individuals with all three risk factors are diagnosed with heart failure an average of 11 to 13 years earlier than those without any risk factors.
Researchers found that paroxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, restored heart function in mice with heart failure by inhibiting the GRK2 enzyme. The study's findings suggest that physicians may consider prescribing paroxetine to heart failure patients with clinical depression to improve their heart function.
A urine test can predict the risk of kidney injury in heart failure patients, allowing clinicians to identify those at high risk and take preventive measures. The study found that urinary angiotensinogen levels can accurately predict acute kidney injury and patient rehospitalization or death within one year.
Research suggests that heart failure patients who struggle with daily activities are at a higher risk of hospitalization and early death. The study found that older women, unmarried individuals, and those with chronic conditions such as obesity, dementia, anemia, and diabetes were more likely to experience these negative outcomes.
A new Yale University study found that patients are at risk of rehospitalization or death within a year after being discharged from the hospital, with risks remaining high even after several months. The researchers tracked 3 million Medicare patients and discovered specific risks vary by discharge diagnosis and outcomes over time.
Researchers have developed a technology that mimics the cellular environment to restore organ function and promote tissue regeneration. The bioengineered miniature structures can release biologically active peptides to protect and repair damaged heart muscle cells.
A Yale-led study found that 11% of hospitalized heart failure patients received intravenous fluids in addition to diuretics. Patients given both therapies were more likely to suffer adverse consequences, such as higher rates of critical care admission and even death.
A large Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that combining trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole with spironolactone more than doubles the risk of sudden death in older patients. The study suggests that physicians should consider alternative antibiotics for patients on spironolactone to reduce this risk.
A study by Nova Southeastern University researchers found that Valsartan and Candesartan are more effective in preventing aldosterone production, which can lead to heart failure. This discovery may help cardiologists choose the best ARB drug for treating heart failure patients.
A study assessed self-care barriers in acute heart failure patients returning to the ER. Common barriers include co-morbidities, physical disability, and knowledge about disease. Addressing these social determinants can improve patient outcomes and reduce readmissions.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center investigators found that patients with heart failure who used left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for six months or longer showed significant regeneration of heart muscle. Oxidative damage to a cell-regulator mechanism was prevented, leading to an increase in cardiomyocyte proliferation.
A large study of nearly 15,000 men and women found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart failure. Men who consumed up to seven drinks a week had a 20% reduced risk, while women had a 16% reduced risk compared to abstainers.
Research from Yale University finds that timely, well-communicated discharge summaries can lower hospital readmission rates among heart failure patients. The studies analyzed data from Telemonitoring to Improve Heart Failure Outcomes and found that quality of discharge summaries was associated with readmission risk.
A new study reveals that a genetic mutation in the MYBPC3 gene causes cardiac dysfunction and is responsible for up to 8% of deaths among South Asians. The mutation affects the protein that controls heart muscle contractions, leading to toxic effects on the cell.
Patients with low illness acceptance have lower energy, more severe pain, and negative emotional reactions, leading to social isolation. Acceptance of illness is crucial for effective treatment and improved daily functioning.
Researchers found that blood sugar levels above 6.1 mmol/L increase the risk of early death, further hospitalizations, and diabetes in heart failure patients, even if they have normal blood sugar levels on arrival.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that obese heart failure patients have better survival rates than normal-weight patients. Over a 10-year follow-up period, 38% of obese and 45% of overweight patients died compared to 51% of normal weight patients.
During the annual hajj pilgrimage, scientists detected high levels of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and benzene, in Mecca. The exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of heart failure, headaches, and other serious health issues, highlighting the need for improved regulations and reduced emissions.
A study found that obesity causes subclinical heart muscle injury and increases the risk for heart failure, even in people without overt heart disease. Obesity was independently associated with increased troponin levels, a marker of heart damage.
A new study led by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that black and white heart failure patients have similar rates of atrial fibrillation, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that physicians should monitor all heart failure patients for atrial fibrillation regardless of race.
A new program called Family SWAP uses an electronic monitoring device to help heart failure patients and their caregivers adapt to a low-salt diet. The study found that participants noticed a significant change in their ability to taste salt, while caregivers reported no increased burden.
A Swedish registry study suggests that beta blockers can improve survival in patients with HFPEF, which affects women more often than men and is characterized by an impaired ability to relax and fill with blood. The treatment difference persisted even after adjusting for various factors.
The overall heart disease death rate decreased by 3.8% and coronary artery disease death rate by 5.1% between 2000-2010, but some subtypes showed increases in mortality rates, including hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and arrhythmia.