Articles tagged with Heart Failure
A new clinical trial has been initiated to assess gene therapy for patients with heart pumps, with the goal of improving heart function. The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of a gene therapy that increases SERCA2a protein levels in heart muscle cells, providing potential relief from advanced heart failure.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown cardiac molecule that can block a protein causing genetic disruptions in the heart. By restoring levels of this molecule, progression to heart failure was stopped in mice. The molecule, known as Myheart, controls a protein called BRG1 and may lead to a compound for human trials.
Researchers found that adding potassium supplementation to loop diuretics increases survival rates by 16 percent in patients receiving at least 40 mg/day of furosemide. The benefit is more pronounced with higher diuretic doses. While the study's findings are promising, further independent studies are needed to confirm these results.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women may derive greater benefits from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) compared to men. The CRT device helps regulate the heartbeat, improving symptoms and quality of life for individuals with heart failure.
Research suggests that a systolic blood pressure range of 120-139 is optimal for reducing stroke, heart attack, and heart failure risk. The study found no additional benefit in lowering blood pressure below 120 for patients with hypertension.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that eating moderate amounts of processed red meat increases the risk of incidence and death from heart failure in men. The study, which included over 37,000 men aged 45-79, found that those who consumed the most processed red meat had a 28% higher risk of heart failure compared...
A new study found that healthcare providers are reluctant to discuss end-of-life care with heart failure patients, citing discomfort and lack of time. However, experts emphasize the importance of open communication in easing anxiety and improving patient outcomes.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators improve survival among heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30-35%. The device reduces three-year mortality rates by 3.6% in patients without ICDs.
Many breast cancer patients fail to receive treatment for heart problems despite having a higher risk of complications, according to a recent study. Researchers found that only about one-third of older breast cancer patients saw a cardiologist within 90 days of developing heart issues.
A study found that preventive implantation of ICDs in patients with less severe heart failure (LVEF 30-35%) significantly reduces mortality rates at 3 years compared to those without an ICD. The analysis also showed improved survival in patients with LVEF < 30%.
Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine are working on three projects to investigate key molecular mechanisms in heart failure, aiming to develop new therapies. The projects focus on signaling pathways implicated in cardiac injury and repair, with the goal of having new treatments ready for patients.
Research reveals that increasing heart failure severity is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes. Patients with more severe heart failure were found to be three times more likely to develop diabetes than those with milder cases.
The IN-TIME trial found that home telemonitoring reduces mortality and worsening clinical outcomes in both ICD and CRT-D patients. Patients with advanced heart failure and low ejection fractions reap similar benefits from this technology, suggesting it may be a valuable treatment option.
A novel device implanted under the skin has been shown to treat central sleep apnea (CSA) in heart failure patients, improving sleep and heart function. The remede system reduced AHI, improved cardiac endpoints, and increased quality of life.
A study found that COPD patients have a significantly higher risk of heart failure compared to the general population, with African-American patients facing the highest risk. The study also revealed disparities in treatment and outcomes for patients with both conditions.
Research finds increased heart attacks and atrial fibrillation among younger patients, especially women, during the Greek financial crisis. The study suggests that stress and lack of social insurance may have contributed to the surge in cardiovascular admissions.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute identified a heart-specific form of protein BIN1 responsible for sculpting tiny folds in pockets on the surface of heart muscle cells. These microfolds trap chemicals controlling heartbeat, protecting against arrhythmia and heart failure.
A recent study found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of heart failure hospitalization, with rates more than doubling during periods of activity. The research suggests that efficient IBD treatment may lower this risk, and highlights the need for cardiovascular risk assessment in these patients.
A post-hoc analysis of the TOPCAT trial showed that spironolactone reduced cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure in patients from the Americas, but not in those from Russia and Georgia. The treatment also increased serum creatinine and hyperkalemia rates.
A study presented at the Heart Failure Congress 2014 found that sleeping pills prescribed to heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) increase their risk of cardiovascular events. The study also showed that HFpEF patients who were prescribed high blood pressure medications had a lower risk of cardiovascular event...
Heart failure is a leading cause of hospital admission, particularly in older adults. The RELAX-AHF study found that worsening symptoms (worsening heart failure) during hospitalization can lead to longer stays and increased risk of readmission or death. Targeting worsening heart failure may help reduce these adverse outcomes.
The RELAX-AHF trial found that poor diuretic response is associated with worse in-hospital and post-discharge clinical outcomes. Patients who do not respond well to diuretics have less relief from dyspnoea and a higher risk of cardiovascular death or rehospitalisation.
A new study shows that negative iron balance is a common occurrence in patients with acute heart failure and is associated with higher mortality rates. The researchers propose a new measure for iron deficiency, which takes into account both stored and utilised iron levels.
Researchers found sildenafil's benefits for female mice modeling human heart failure varied with estrogen levels, but were generally ineffective. In contrast, male mice showed improved cardiac health due to sildenafil's effects on cGMP pathways independent of estrogen.
The PARADIGM-HF trial was stopped early due to a statistically significant reduction in primary composite endpoint and cardiovascular mortality. LCZ696 demonstrated benefits by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and augmenting endogenous natriuretic peptides, offering an alternative to the gold standard treatment enalapril.
A new study finds that women who experience early menopause at ages 40-45 are 40% more likely to develop heart failure than those who enter menopause between 50-54. Smoking also significantly increases the risk of heart failure in these women.
The Heart Failure Association calls for global policy change to address the growing burden of heart failure, which affects millions worldwide. The organization emphasizes the importance of prevention, awareness among healthcare professionals, and equitable care for all patients.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem found Erbin acts as a brake against excessive heart muscle growth. The protein's damage leads to decreased function and severe growth, which may be targeted for cardiac gene therapy in heart failure and breast cancer patients.
In a randomized clinical trial, eplerenone significantly reduced the composite primary endpoint of cardiovascular mortality, re-hospitalization, or heart failure in patients with acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction. The study found lower levels of biomarkers BNP/NT-proBNP in the treatment group.
Researchers found that long noncoding RNAs distinguish between two major types of heart failure and change expression patterns after LVAD support. These RNA molecules may play a role in coordinating the regulation of multiple genes involved in heart function.
The TOPCAT trial found that spironolactone did not reduce the composite time to death or hospitalization in patients with preserved ejection fraction. However, it significantly reduced hospitalizations for heart failure, providing important insights into its potential efficacy.
A recent study published at EuroHeartCare 2014 found that poor sleep doubles the risk of unplanned hospitalizations in patients with heart failure. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 500 patients and discovered that those with chronic sleep problems were two times more likely to be hospitalized than those without sleep issues.
A study of nearly 63,000 Norwegians found that moderate to severe depression increases the risk of heart failure by 40%. Depression triggers stress hormones and inflammation, which may accelerate heart diseases. Early detection and treatment can help improve outcomes.
A new study by Durham University highlights the inadequacies in heart failure care in the UK, including uncertainty among clinicians about diagnosis and management. The research found inconsistencies in patients' access to tests and services, as well as a lack of awareness among health professionals of dedicated heart failure clinics.
A new human trial demonstrates the effectiveness of injecting bone marrow-derived stem cells into the heart muscle to improve heart function in patients with severe ischemic heart disease. The treatment improved heart pump function by 8.2 milliliters, compared to an increase of 6 milliliters in the placebo group.
A rigorous clinical trial found that metformin did not preserve left ventricular function in non-diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction. The study suggests that the commonly used glucose regulator is not beneficial for protecting against heart failure after a heart attack.
A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) significantly reduces mortality in mildly symptomatic heart failure patients with left bundle branch block. The five-year survival rate was close to 90% among CRT-D patients.
Researchers focus on identifying vulnerable patients, early follow-up, medication, and engagement to lower readmission rates. Studies show that starting ACE inhibitors or ARBs prior to discharge and using risk stratification tools can significantly reduce 30-day readmissions.
Researchers have identified key strategies to reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients, including starting ACE inhibitors or ARBs prior to discharge, analyzing demographic risk factors, and using automated tools to predict individual risk. These innovative approaches aim to improve patient outcomes and alleviate economic...
A new five-year study aims to determine whether treating depression in patients with heart failure can help them live longer. The Hopeful Heart trial will include 750 participants who meet severity criteria for heart failure and screen positive for depression.
Physicist Premi Haynes has made a groundbreaking discovery about the cellular structure of the human heart, particularly related to heart failure. She found that different regions of the left ventricular wall have unique cellular patterns of mechanical properties, with the middle being a better
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered a key cellular process leading to heart failure, which can be halted with a therapeutic approach. Blocking the effects of miR-25 has improved cardiac function and survival in mice.
Heart failure is commonly assessed as a complication of diabetes but rarely considered as an outcome in glucose-lowering drug trials. Recent studies suggest some drugs may increase cardiovascular risk despite lowering blood glucose, prompting new regulations for cardiovascular outcomes trials.
A new study published in Circulation reveals how changes in the organized cell membrane network of heart muscle leads to heart failure. Colchicine, a drug used for gout treatment, protects normal heart function by reducing microtubule density, while taxol accelerates damage during heart failure.
A systematic review of 49 studies found that patients with heart failure and their families often lack basic knowledge about the condition, leading to confusion, delays in seeking help, and uncertainty about long-term care. This lack of understanding can decimate quality of life and is a major reason seniors end up in emergency rooms.
A team of researchers used a multidisciplinary approach to study the effects of heart failure on electrical activity and calcium release in heart cells. They found increased variability in Ca2+ transient kinetics, indicating an uncoupling between membrane depolarization and Ca2+-release.
A UCLA team developed an easy-to-use risk calculator that predicts heart failure patients' chances of survival for up to five years. The calculator uses four key variables: B-type natriuretic peptide level, peak oxygen consumption, New York Heart Association classification, and heart failure medications.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 82,000 men found that prolonged sedentary behavior significantly increases the risk of heart failure. The study highlights the importance of a physically active and nonsedentary lifestyle for reducing this risk.
Researchers identify underlying chronic medical conditions as a key factor in reducing hospital readmission rates. The study found that patients with comorbidities such as cancer, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease are at higher risk of potentially avoidable readmissions.
A novel approach predicts heart failure outcomes in patients by targeting impaired energy metabolism, a diseased heart's underlying mechanism. This method could help tailor therapeutic interventions and improve treatment planning for physicians.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has developed new guidelines to assist practitioners in recognizing and managing heart failure in children with undiagnosed heart disease. The guidelines highlight the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment, which can improve heart function and increase survival rates.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that decreased energy metabolism in heart cells is a significant independent risk factor for worsening heart failure. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to measure energy metabolism and found it was significantly lower in patients whose conditions worsened.
A study found that older people who smoked less than 32 pack years and quit smoking 15 or fewer years ago had similar cardiovascular death risks as those who never smoked. Many participants reduced their risk in under 15 years, contradicting previous estimates of a longer waiting period.
A single dose of AAV1/SERCA2a gene therapy has long-lasting benefits for advanced heart failure patients, improving heart function status and reducing recurrent cardiovascular events. The study results support the potential use of this gene therapy as a new tool for treating advanced heart failure.
A Mayo Clinic-led study has found that two commonly used drugs, low-dose dopamine and low-dose nesiritide, do not improve kidney function in hospitalized acute heart failure patients. The study analyzed data from 360 patients with kidney dysfunction and showed no significant improvement in urine volume or serum cystatin-C levels.
Researchers found no effect of low-dose dopamine or low-dose nesiritide on cumulative urine volume, kidney function, weight change, or clinical outcomes compared to placebo. The study's findings do not support the use of these drugs as a renal adjuvant therapy.
A late-breaking clinical trial shows spironolactone reduces risk of repeated heart failure hospitalizations, but not overall mortality or cardiac arrest. The study enrolled 3,445 participants and followed them for nearly 3.5 years.
A new gene therapy has shown promising results in reversing heart failure by delivering the SUMO-1 gene directly to the heart. In preclinical testing, the therapy improved cardiac function, reduced heart volumes, and enhanced blood flow compared to other treatments.
A study led by Temple University School of Medicine reveals that beta-blockers and nitrates may help the failing heart by blocking enzyme GRK2, which can trigger heart cell death. This finding suggests new drugs aimed at GRK2 could protect the heart from progressive disease.
A Swedish study reveals that many heart failure patients are undertreated, with high mortality rates associated with poor pump capacity, kidney function, blood count, and lack of ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. The study suggests referring these patients to heart failure specialists for evaluation and treatment.