Articles tagged with Heart Failure
Researchers found African-Americans have a 1.4-fold greater risk for heart failure compared to their white counterparts after breast cancer treatment. The study also highlights the importance of closer monitoring and pretreatment with cardioprotective drugs.
Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine have identified a biochemical step underlying heart failure that could aid the development of new drugs. GRK5 enzyme gains access to heart cells' nucleus via calcium and calmodulin, leading to hypertrophy and ultimately heart failure.
A large study found that people with insomnia symptoms, including trouble falling asleep and waking up feeling unrefreshed, have a higher risk of developing heart failure. The study followed 54,279 participants for over 11 years and found those with all three insomnia symptoms had a more than three-fold increased risk.
A study found that long-term treatment with spironolactone did not improve symptoms or quality of life in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. However, it improved left ventricular diastolic function and reduced potassium levels.
A new gene therapy trial aims to promote the regeneration of heart tissue by encouraging the body to deploy more stem cells to the injury site. The therapy, called JVS-100, has shown clinically significant improvements in exercise levels in patients with ischemic heart failure.
Researchers used a 'homing' signal to activate stem cells in heart failure patients, improving symptoms and heart function. The study found that 50% of patients showed positive effects one year after treatment, indicating potential for this therapy to widely treat heart failure patients.
A recent study found a strong association between income inequality and hospital readmission risk, particularly for patients with heart attacks, heart failure, and pneumonia. The researchers estimated nearly 40,000 extra admissions due to income inequality over the three year period.
Researchers created an optimized parvalbumin protein, ParvE101Q, that acts as a 'calcium sponge' for heart muscle, allowing efficient relaxation after contraction. This discovery offers a promising step forward in solving diastolic heart failure, a common killer of both men and women.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found striking similarities between heart cells and brain cells in patients with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a new treatment paradigm for heart failure. Misfolded proteins in heart cells are a key factor in the process of heart failure.
Research at Yale School of Medicine shows that patients are at high risk of readmission for a broad spectrum of medical conditions within the first month after hospital discharge. The study found that readmissions were frequent and resulted from different medical conditions than the initial hospitalization.
The REVIVE-IT study will investigate the potential benefits of left ventricular assist devices for patients with advanced heart failure. Researchers aim to determine if implanting these devices earlier can improve patient outcomes.
Two studies investigate heart failure therapies, finding varying outcomes regarding mortality rates among older patients. RAS antagonists are associated with improved survival in patients with preserved ejection fraction, while aldosterone antagonist therapy shows limited effectiveness.
A Swedish study found commonly used heart failure and high blood pressure medications can benefit patients with a rare type of heart failure. The use of ACE-inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers lowered mortality rates by 10% in HFPEF patients.
A study by Yale University researchers found that older women with breast cancer treated with adjuvant trastuzumab are at a higher risk of heart failure or cardiomyopathy. The use of trastuzumab was associated with a 14% increased incidence rate of heart failure over three years.
A new study found that reducing symptoms of depression in heart failure patients can improve their physical health, social functioning and quality of life. Participants whose depression remitted had significant improvements on measures of physical health, including endurance.
The new guidelines aim to provide a framework for early recognition and treatment of pediatric heart failure, which often goes unrecognized until it's too late. The guidelines recommend specialized care, including echocardiography by a pediatric specialist, and evidence-based treatments such as diuretics and inotropic drugs.
A new genetic test has been developed to predict which patients with heart failure will respond best to the beta-blocker drug bucindolol. The test, based on two specific genes, analyzes a small blood sample and can identify individuals who are likely to benefit from the treatment.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that low levels of the protein S100A1 are associated with critical lower limb ischemia, a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to legs. The study suggests that S100A1 could be a potential therapeutic target in critical limb ischemia to promote revascularization.
Researchers found a link between prolonged QRS wave and increased mortality in heart failure. A new type of pacemaker could be effective for treating this condition, which is often overlooked.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that paroxetine inhibits GRK2, a protein kinase involved in heart failure, improving myocardial contractility without affecting heart rate. The team hopes to optimize and develop these compounds into therapeutic leads for heart failure treatment.
Researchers found that troponin I's phosphorylation levels are altered in patients with heart failure, leading to muscle dysfunction. The discovery paves the way for new diagnostic tools and therapies for heart failure, a condition affecting over 6 million adults in the US.
Galectin-3 protein has been linked to an increased risk of heart failure and death in older adults, according to a new study. The study found that individuals with high levels of galectin-3 were more likely to experience heart failure, highlighting the potential for measuring blood levels as an early warning sign.
The European Society of Cardiology sets a new standard for CRT management, covering pre-implant evaluation, device implantation, and follow-up. Key findings include improved symptoms, cardiac function, hospitalization rates, and mortality in CRT patients.
A study at ESC Congress 2012 found that renal denervation improved contractile function of the left side of the heart by more than 10% in patients with advanced heart failure. In contrast, standard drug treatment showed no change in contractile function.
A study found sharp increases in heart failure and pneumonia following the Japanese earthquake, while stroke and cardio-pulmonary arrest rates followed seismic peaks. Blood pressure was also elevated, but medication disruptions may have contributed to cardiovascular events.
Increased copeptin levels are associated with increased frequencies of comorbidities, severity of heart failure, and risk of all-cause death. Copeptin measurements link to the strength of cardiac contractility and predict poorer kidney function. The risk of mortality from all causes increases with rising copeptin levels.
A global registry study found that women with acute heart failure have similar in-hospital mortality rates as men, but receive fewer treatments. The study revealed differences in clinical presentation, co-morbidities, and treatment patterns between genders.
The Aldo-DHF study found that spironolactone significantly improved diastolic function and reduced blood pressure in patients with symptomatic diastolic heart failure. However, it did not improve exercise capacity or quality of life. The treatment also induced reverse cardiac remodelling and reduced left ventricular hypertrophy.
A new study found that LCZ696 significantly reduces NT-proBNP levels and left atrium volume in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. The results suggest potential benefits of LCZ696 in treating this type of heart failure.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation improves left ventricular contractile function in pigs with ischemic heart failure. Continuous spinal cord stimulation was associated with significant reduction of serum norepinephrine and brain natriuretic peptide compared to medical therapy alone.
A novel blood test can predict which heart failure patients are at risk of sudden death and may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The test measures changes in the SCN5A gene, which is involved in electrical activity in the heart.
Researchers at the University of Leicester are undertaking a revolutionary treatment for heart failure using a novel nerve-stimulating device. The INOVATE-HF study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the CardioFit system, which stimulates the vagus nerve to reduce stress on the heart.
A recent study found that the number of new heart failure cases in Ontario decreased by 33% between 1997 and 2007, suggesting that preventive measures may be working. The study also showed a decline in mortality rates for people with heart failure, particularly among those over age 85.
Patients with chronic heart failure who participated in exercise training experienced modest reductions in depressive symptoms after 12 months compared to usual care. Regular exercise was associated with lower scores on the Beck Depression Inventory II and reduced risk of mortality and hospitalizations.
A large international study found that moderate exercise helps ease depression in patients with chronic heart failure, while also reducing deaths and hospitalizations. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that exercise has a significant impact on both mental and physical health.
Researchers found that around 26% of people aged 87-89 had previously undiagnosed heart problems. These conditions can lead to breathlessness and heart failure, but are treatable with established drugs like beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.
Researchers have identified a new function for APJ protein in sensing mechanical changes that can lead to heart failure. Without this protein, the heart is less likely to sense danger and undergo hypertrophic pathways leading to heart failure.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have received $2 million to develop artificial tissue models for testing new drugs that target myofibroblasts, which contribute to heart disease. The study aims to understand how these cells alter the electrical and mechanical properties of heart tissue.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that community health center physicians performed as well as their private practice colleagues in 13 of 18 measures. Community health center physicians followed recommendations a higher percent of the time for certain conditions, such as congestive heart failure...
A new UCLA study found that obesity and a higher waist circumference reduce risk of adverse outcomes in advanced heart failure patients. Men and women with high BMI and waist circumference had significantly better event-free survival rates than those with normal weight.
A new study suggests that moderate coffee consumption may offer protection against heart failure, with a reduced risk of 11% observed among moderate drinkers. The research found that four to five cups of coffee per day provides the strongest protection, while excessive consumption may pose potential harm.
Moderate coffee consumption as part of a daily routine may be linked with a significantly lower risk of heart failure. The study found that moderate coffee drinking reduces the risk by as much as 11 percent, while excessive consumption has no benefit and may even be dangerous.
A study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that nonwhite Medicare patients with heart failure are less likely to enroll in hospice, but more likely to experience hospitalizations and increased costs when they do. Racial disparities persisted over time, highlighting the need for improved end-of-life care options.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System discovered that digoxin, a centuries-old heart drug, enhances the body's natural protection against high blood pressure and heart failure. By activating RGS proteins, digoxin may improve survival rates in patients with congestive heart failure.
A new study identifies a unique alliance of proteins that plays a major role in the development of heart failure. Chronic high levels of adrenaline spur activation of PAR1, which causes cardiac dysfunction. Targeting either protein in the pathway may hold promise for treatment.
A new computer-based algorithm developed at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences calculates each patient's individual risk of death, improving clinical decision-making and hospital admissions. The algorithm can help reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and deaths among heart failure patients.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a genetic mutation that can predict heart failure in certain individuals. The team, led by Howard Young, will screen blood samples from 750 patients to identify mutations in phospholamban, a protein linked to heart disease.
A major new trial aims to provide clear guidance on whether home oxygen therapy should be offered routinely to patients with chronic heart failure. The study will measure factors such as patient quality of life, exercise ability, and breathlessness to determine the effectiveness of hot.
A significant percentage of COPD patients (44%) report troublesome dyspnea during sexual activity, limiting their sex life. Depression and poor well-being are also prevalent among both COPD and heart failure patients, with high levels reported in the study.
Researchers found Nordic walking with poles increased oxygen consumption and peak heart rate in both healthy adults and patients with heart failure compared to walking without poles. This low-cost, accessible form of exercise may be a more effective training method than traditional walking for these groups.
The European Society of Cardiology has released new guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, emphasizing the importance of new device recommendations and increased use of left ventricular assist devices. The guidelines also highlight the benefits of cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with mild symptoms.
Results from the first-in-human studies show meaningful and sustained low clinical events after treatment with the Parachute system, demonstrating a near-full New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improvement at two years.
A new report shows that integrated heart failure services can reduce unwanted hospital deaths, allowing many patients to die at home. The study found that specialist nurses played a pivotal role in discussing end-of-life care with patients, enabling them to make plans and set their affairs in order.
Researchers found regional heart failure readmission rates vary widely due to availability of care and socioeconomics. Communities with higher rates have more physicians, hospital beds, and sicker populations, leading to increased readmissions among the elderly and poor.
A new Yale study found that hospitals performing expensive cardiovascular procedures are more costly for all heart failure patients. The median cost per hospitalization was $5,259 at low-procedure hospitals and $6,965 at high-procedure hospitals, with similar length of stay.
A new study published by Henry Ford Health found that standard heart failure treatments ACE/ARB are equally protective in preventing death or hospitalization among African-American and white patients. The study analyzed data from over 1,100 patients hospitalized for heart failure between 2000-2008.
University of Guelph researchers found the location and effect of abnormal heart proteins that can cause cardiac failure. They discovered three variants affecting heart contractions and three others impacting stability and efficiency, paving the way for targeted therapies.
A landmark clinical trial found that aspirin and warfarin are equally effective in preventing a combined risk of death, stroke, and cerebral hemorrhage in heart failure patients. The WARCEF trial, which involved over 2,300 patients, showed that the overall risks and benefits of the two medications are similar.
A study by British and Japanese researchers shows that rogue DNA from the heart's own cells mistakenly activates the body's immune system, leading to inflammation and reducing the heart's ability to pump blood. This process can kick-start in heart failure, a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers found that moxonidine, a second-generation anti-hypertensive drug, can improve heart function and survival without affecting blood pressure in an animal model. The study also showed the drug's beneficial effects on oxidative stress and insulin resistance.