Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
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 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 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 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 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...
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.
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.
A new study reveals an independent association between sleep apnea severity and increased high sensitivity troponin T levels, a marker of early myocardial injury. Higher levels were associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and heart failure.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital have found that enriched bone marrow stem cells secrete hormones that replicate the positive impact of stem cells on treating animals with chronic kidney disease and heart failure. The discovery opens up a potential new treatment approach by eliminating the need to inject stem cells.
A Dartmouth researcher found that oxygen can keep dying heart cells alive by providing spikes of oxygen. This discovery could lead to new treatments for congestive heart failure, which is often caused by cell death due to lack of oxygen. The research suggests that controlled breathing exercises may also have health benefits.
A new study aims to investigate the potential of exercise in treating and preventing heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFPEF). The OptimEx study will examine the effects of different exercise protocols on HFPEF, including their impact on pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical outcomes.
A University of Michigan study found that following a low-sodium DASH eating plan for 21 days can lower blood pressure similar to taking anti-hypertension medicine. The diet improves left ventricular relaxation and reduces diastolic chamber stiffness, leading to better heart function.
Researchers have developed a new implantable device that reduces symptoms of central sleep apnea by 56% and improves sleepiness and quality of life. The device, which stimulates the diaphragm to breathe during sleep, has shown significant promise in treating this condition.
Myocardial interstitial fibrosis is a major therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of heart failure. The FIBRO-TARGETS project will accurately identify key mechanisms involved in fibrosis and define therapeutic approaches to target these mechanisms.
The ATOMIC-AHF study found that omecamtiv mecarbil showed greater dyspnoea relief in the highest dose cohort compared to placebo, with significant dose-related and plasma concentration-related trends. The study also revealed increases in systolic ejection time and reductions in heart rate without decreasing blood pressure.
Patients with heart failure who see a physician within a month of hospital discharge have better survival rates compared to those without follow-up care. Continuity with a familiar physician is most beneficial, reducing risk of readmission and death by 3-8%.
A recent study published in the journal Cell highlights the natural regenerative capacity of cardiac stem cells that reside in the heart. These cells are responsible for repairing and regenerating muscle tissue damaged by a heart attack, which leads to heart failure.
Patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation who undergo surgery early after diagnosis have improved long-term survival and lower risk of heart failure. Long-term survival rates were significantly higher for those who had surgery within three months of diagnosis compared to those who avoided surgery.
A study published in JAMA found that early surgical correction of mitral valve regurgitation was associated with greater long-term survival and lower risk of heart failure compared to initial medical management. This is particularly true for patients without American College of Cardiology guideline class I triggers.
A study found that heart failure patients with left bundle-branch block (LBBB) and longer QRS duration had lower risks of death, cardiovascular events, and readmission after pacemaker implantation. These findings suggest using QRS morphology and duration to identify patients who will benefit most from the procedure.
Researchers discovered a new molecular pathway causing heart failure and showed that JQ1 blocks this pathway to protect the heart. The compound works within the cell's nucleus, preventing damaging stress responses.
A study published in Cell reveals the key role of bromodomain and extraterminal domain proteins in activating genes contributing to heart failure. BET-inhibiting drugs show promise as a new treatment avenue.
Researchers have shown that inhalable gene therapy can completely reverse pulmonary arterial hypertension in rat models and reduce expression of SERCA2a, an enzyme critical for calcium pumping. This approach may offer a promising therapeutic intervention for PAH patients.
A systematic review found that short-term air pollutant exposure raises the risk of heart failure hospitalization and death. Modest reductions in major pollutants could prevent thousands of hospitalizations and save millions annually.
Two angiotensin-receptor blockers, telmisartan and valsartan, have been shown to reduce hospitalization for heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers found a lower risk of cardiovascular illnesses associated with these drugs compared to other treatments.
A study found that collaborative care with brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) screening reduced the combined rates of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, and heart failure. BNP levels above 50 pg/mL identified patients at higher risk for cardiovascular events.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that heart failure patients are more likely to develop cancer, with a significant increase in mortality rates. The study suggests that side effects of cardiovascular treatments and inflammation may be contributing factors.
A study by UTHealth researchers found that consuming high amounts of glucose can cause stress on the heart, leading to poor pump function and increased risk of heart failure. The study discovered a single molecule, G6P, which can accumulate from excessive sugar intake and induce damage to the heart muscle.
A new study presented at Heart Failure 2013 found that ambulatory levosimendan improved event-free survival by 50% compared to placebo in patients with end-stage heart failure. However, it failed to show significant improvements in functional capacity and quality of life.
The RELAX-AHF trial demonstrated serelaxin's efficacy in relieving dyspnea in HFpEF patients, particularly within the first 24 hours. The VIVIDD trial also showed vildagliptin to be non-inferior to placebo in improving LVEF in HFrEF patients with type 2 diabetes.
Research presented at the Heart Failure Congress 2013 found that heart failure accelerates the natural process of aging and favours early onset of male 'menopause', also known as andropausal syndrome. The prevalence of AS was four times higher in men with heart failure compared to healthy peers.
A randomized double-blind trial showed that Coenzyme Q10 decreases all-cause mortality by half, improving survival in severe heart failure patients. The study found that CoQ10 also significantly lowers cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure.
Researchers analyzed nearly 1 million heart failure admissions over 14 years, finding mortality and length of stay peak in January and Friday admissions. The study suggests staffing levels may contribute to seasonal variations in mortality and length of stay for these patients.
Despite improvements, one-third of advanced heart failure patients don't survive three years. The study found decreased mortality and sudden cardiac death rates, but patient mortality from progressive heart failure increased.
A recent study found that mild hypothyroidism can have a higher mortality risk among patients with heart failure, especially in African-American populations. The research suggests that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach may not be suitable for assessing risk and determining treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism.
A clinical trial of 75 patients with acute decompensated heart failure found that aggressive fluid and sodium restriction had no impact on weight loss or clinical stability at three days. Instead, these restrictions were associated with an increase in perceived thirst.
Researchers found that patients with heart failure and heart attack face a high risk of death and re-hospitalization within the first year after discharge. The risk of re-hospitalization for heart failure takes more than 43 days to decline significantly, highlighting the importance of post-discharge care.
A study published in the American Heart Association found that middle-aged individuals who improved their fitness levels reduced their heart failure risk by 20% for every one MET improvement. This research highlights the importance of incorporating regular exercise into mid-life routines to decrease the risk of heart failure.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are associated with a higher risk of device-related complications compared to single-chamber ICDs. The study analyzed over 32,000 patients and discovered that rates of complications were lower for single-chamber devices.