Turning old hearts
Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have identified a protein, GDF-11, that reverses the effects of aging on mouse hearts. The protein was found to reduce heart size and thickness, similar to healthy younger mice.
Heart Failure
Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
Rejuvenating hormone found to reverse symptoms of heart failure
A study found that growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) declines with age and can reverse signs of cardiac aging in old mice. The discovery sheds light on the underlying causes of age-related heart failure, offering a potential treatment strategy.
Predicting the path to death and helping patients cope with end-stage heart failure
Researchers identified five trajectories for patients with end-stage heart failure, providing a framework to predict the path to death and improve quality of life. The study's findings can help caregivers plan for the last months of life, enabling patients to gain control over their illness.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateMay 3, 2013
Study uncovers mechanism for how grapes reduce heart failure associated with hypertension
A study published in Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that grapes reduce heart failure associated with hypertension by increasing antioxidant defense genes in the heart. Grapes are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which help improve glutathione levels and reduce oxidative stress.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMay 2, 2013
Missing link in Parkinson's disease found
Scientists identify mitofusin 2 as key player linking mitochondrial quality control to Parkinson's disease and heart failure. The discovery may lead to new genetic forms of Parkinson's disease diagnosis and improved treatment options.
Costs to treat heart failure expected to more than double by 2030
By 2030, heart failure costs are projected to exceed $70 billion, with 8 million people affected, up from 5 million in 2012. Improved prevention and treatment strategies are needed to address this growing burden.
New study finds digoxin safe despite recent reports
A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found no evidence that digoxin increases mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from over 3,400 patients and found that digoxin was not associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalization.
Outcomes for treating heart failure with cell therapy, high-dose ultrasound
Researchers found that shock wave-facilitated cell therapy improved left ventricular ejection fraction and reduced major adverse cardiac events in patients with chronic postinfarction heart failure. The treatment used high-dose ultrasound to precondition the target heart tissue before administering bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells.
Routine EKG finding could signal serious heart problem
A common EKG test may predict serious cardiovascular illness in people with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), a previously thought benign condition. The study found those with LAFB had a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and death.
Heart failure doesn't discriminate
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that both black and white Americans have a similar lifetime risk of heart failure, ranging from 20 to 45 percent. The study explored the long-term risk of heart failure in different race groups and found that higher blood pressure and body mass index increased the risk.
All water pills not equally effective against heart failure
Researchers at Yale University found that even though one of three approved loop diuretics offers more benefits, it is rarely prescribed due to cost concerns. The study compared the effectiveness of toresemide, furosemide, and bumetanide in treating heart failure.
UCLA study finds heart failure medications highly cost-effective
A UCLA study found that heart failure medications recommended by national guidelines are highly cost-effective in saving lives and may also provide savings to the healthcare system. The combination of these medical therapies demonstrated the greatest gains in quality-adjusted life years for heart failure patients.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2013
Heart failure patients with depression have 4 times risk of death
Researchers found that moderate-to-severe depression in heart failure patients increases their risk of death by almost 60% and emergency room visits by 35%. The study's lead author emphasizes the need for tailored treatment programs to manage depression in these patients.
Anemia drugs does not improve health of anemic heart failure patients
A recent international study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that darbepoetin alfa, a commonly used anemia drug for heart failure patients, does not reduce the risk of death or hospitalization. The treatment only increased hemoglobin levels but did not provide any significant clinical benefits.
Drug may improve outcomes after heart attack
The REMINDER trial found that eplerenone significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure in patients after a heart attack. Patients taking eplerenone had a 38% lower risk of poor outcomes compared to those given a placebo.
No benefit found from BP drug in treatment of recently hospitalized heart failure patients
A recent study published by the American College of Cardiology found no significant benefits from using the blood pressure-lowering medication aliskiren to treat patients with recent heart failure hospitalizations. However, patients on aliskiren did show improved NT-proBNP levels, which can help physicians plan treatment.
Screenings, targeted care reduce heart failure in at-risk patients
A simple blood test screening and targeted care program effectively prevented heart failure in asymptomatic patients over 40 years old with risk factors for the condition. The five-year study showed a significantly lower number of patients experiencing new onset heart failure requiring hospitalization or left ventricular dysfunction.
Common erectile dysfunction drug not helpful for heart failure patients, study finds
A commonly used erectile dysfunction drug, sildenafil, was found to be ineffective in treating patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. The RELAX study, a multicenter trial of 216 patients, showed no benefit from the drug in improving maximum exercise ability or walking distance.
Combination therapy for heart failure does not reduce risk of CV death or rehospitalization
A study published in JAMA found that adding aliskiren to standard therapy did not improve long-term outcomes in patients hospitalized for heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The results showed no significant reduction in cardiovascular death or rehospitalization rates at 6 or 12 months after discharge.
Digoxin reduces hospital admissions in older patients with chronic heart failure
Researchers found that digoxin was associated with a 34% reduction in 30-day all-cause hospital admission among ambulatory older patients with chronic heart failure. Digoxin also did not increase all-cause mortality during the first 30 days of follow-up.
Erectile dysfunction drug fails for diastolic heart failure patients
A multicenter trial of sildenafil for diastolic heart failure failed to confirm results of smaller studies, finding no improvement in exercise capacity or cardiovascular structure and function. The study's lead author notes that the disease process may be different and not responsive to this category of drug.
Sildenafil for heart failure does not result in significant improvement in exercise capacity
A 24-week trial found no significant improvement in exercise capacity or clinical status for patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction treated with sildenafil. Renal function worsened and adverse events increased in the sildenafil group, contradicting previous findings on PDE-5 inhibitors.
Study: Diabetic medication may protect patients from developing heart failure
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients taking GLP-1 medications had a reduced risk of hospitalization for heart failure and fewer deaths. The retrospective study included 4,427 diabetic patients and adjusted for various factors to identify the effect of GLP-1 medication use.
Cleveland Clinic research shows anemia drug does not improve health of anemic heart failure patients
A Phase 3 clinical trial by Cleveland Clinic and Sahlgrenska University Hospital found that darbepoetin alfa does not reduce the risk of death from any cause or hospitalization for worsening heart failure in anemic patients. Despite increasing hemoglobin levels, treatment did not provide improved health outcomes.
Researchers develop new tool to eliminate 30-day hospital readmissions in heart failure patients
Researchers developed an innovative tool, IMRS-HF, to predict 30-day hospital readmissions in heart failure patients. The tool uses a statistical model that analyzes several variables and provides a risk score for physicians, helping ensure healthier discharge conditions.
Beware: Newly recognized heart cardiomyopathy is not always benign
A study reveals that Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy, or broken heart syndrome, can be deadly when compounded by other co-morbidities. Researchers found that severe hypotensive heart failure and low blood pressure are linked to high mortality rates in women, highlighting the need for improved diagnosis and treatment guidelines.
Electronic discharge tool reduces hospital readmissions in heart failure patients
Researchers found that electronic discharge orders significantly improved patient care by increasing adherence to core measures and lowering hospital readmission rates. The study showed a 23% lower all-cause hospital readmission rate and a 10-fold increase in compliance with quality care measures among heart failure patients.
Weight loss linked to higher risk with implanted defibrillators
A multicenter study found that even minor weight loss is associated with worse health outcomes among patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator devices. Patients who lost more than 2 kilograms during the 12-month observation period had a significant increase in risk of heart failure or death.
African-American breast cancer survivors face higher risk of 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.
Temple researchers discover key to heart failure, new therapies on horizon
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.
Insomnia is linked to increased risk of 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.
Long-term use of medication does not improve symptoms for heart failure patients
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.
New therapy for heart failure may enhance body's stem cell response at cardiovascular injury site
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.
Stem cell 'homing' signal may help treat heart failure patients
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.
Study finds strong link between income inequality and readmission risk, but not mortality
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.
U of M researchers develop a molecular 'calcium sponge' to tackle heart failure
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.
Setting the stage for a new paradigm in treatment of heart failure
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.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 30, 2013
Readmissions frequent in month after hospital discharge
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.
REVIVE-IT study to examine earlier device use for patients with heart failure
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.
Studies examine whether therapies for heart failure are associated with improved survival
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.
Common heart failure drugs could benefit more patients
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.
Heart failure in older breast cancer patients linked to medication
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.
Controlling depression is associated with improved health for heart-failure patients
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.
New pediatric heart failure guidelines a first in Canada
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.
2-gene test predicts which patients with heart failure respond best to beta-blocker drug
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.
Loss of protective heart failure protein linked to critical limb ischemia
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.
Pacemaker could help more heart failure patients
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.
Popular antidepressant might prevent heart failure
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.
Hopkins scientists discover how an out-of-tune protein leads to muscle demise in heart failure
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.
NIH media availability: Protein linked to increased risk of heart failure and death in older adults
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.
SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2012
CRT consensus set to standardize and improve care for patients worldwide
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.
Rising cardiovascular incidence after Japanese earthquake 2011
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.
Renal denervation gives better outcomes than drugs in advanced heart failure
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.
The Aldo-DHF study
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.
New drug shows promising results for heart failure patients
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.
Continuous spinal cord stimulation improves heart function
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.
Novel blood test predicts sudden death risk patients who would benefit from ICDs
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.
Copeptin predicts prognosis in HF patients
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.
Women with acute heart failure have similar in-hospital mortality to men but are less treated
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.
First UK operation to tackle heart failure with novel nerve-stimulating implant
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.