Articles tagged with Heart Failure
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.
Researchers found that testosterone supplements improved a six-minute walking test score by 50% compared to placebo, with gains lasting for at least one year. In addition, severity of heart failure improved in 35% of treated patients, compared to 9.8% of those on placebo.
A nationwide Danish registry study found no significant association between losartan and increased all-cause mortality in heart failure patients compared to candesartan. However, lower doses of losartan were associated with increased mortality risk, while high doses showed no increased risk compared to candesartan.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that allowing heart muscle cells to rest can reverse structural changes caused by heart failure. This discovery could lead to new treatment strategies without the need for serious procedures like LVAD implants.
Researchers found genetic mutations associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in nearly 17.4% of patients, with children more likely to have these mutations than older adults. This study's findings will help develop new treatments and identify potential genetic tests for inherited forms of the disease.
Researchers found that chronic right ventricular pacing significantly reduces survival in ICD patients with left ventricular dysfunction, but biventricular defibrillator devices mitigate this effect. The study suggests that CRT-D therapy may be beneficial for these patients despite high right ventricular pacing requirements.
A study published in JAMA found that using bone marrow cells to treat chronic ischemic heart failure did not show significant improvements in most measures of heart function. However, exploratory analysis revealed a significant effect on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among patients under 62 years old.
A new, one-page checklist for heart failure patients significantly reduced hospital readmissions from 20% to 2%, with improved medication adherence and quality of care. The study suggests the checklist could save billions by improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that orthostatic hypotension may be associated with a higher risk of developing heart failure, particularly in individuals aged 45-55. High blood pressure was also found to contribute to this association.
The PATHS study aims to fill the gap in knowledge about heart failure patients' and caregivers' needs. The project will develop an algorithm to guide targeted palliative care interventions, improving outcomes for those with advanced heart failure.
A large analysis of studies involving over 40,000 subjects found that women with chronic heart failure have a lower risk of death compared to men. The study also revealed that women are more likely to have preserved ejection fraction and less ventricular remodelling, which may contribute to their better survival rates.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that epicatechin-enriched cocoa improved mitochondrial structure in patients with advanced heart failure and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that treatment with epicatechin-rich cocoa may improve exercise capacity in these patients.
The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) has updated recommendations for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), expanding its use to a larger group of patients with mild heart failure symptoms. CRT devices synchronize the left ventricle's contraction, improving efficiency and survival in moderate or severe heart failure patients.
A large population-based study found strong association between reduced lung function and increased risk of heart failure. Lower FEV1 readings by spirometry were predictive of heart failure, independent of other CVD risk markers.
A new study published in PLoS ONE reveals how two individual but very similar proteins cooperatively adjust calcium levels inside heart cells, which may degenerate in heart failure. This dual regulation may lead to irregular heart rhythms and increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
LA BioMed investigators are making significant strides in cardiovascular medicine, with a focus on early detection of heart disease and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Drs. Matthew Budoff and Ronald Oudiz are leading efforts to develop new therapies and improve symptoms for patients with these conditions.
A combination of guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure treatment significantly improved two-year survival rates. Adding each therapy incrementally increased the overall survival rate, with a maximum 83% reduction in mortality at four-to-five-therapy plateau.
A genetic mutation in the TTN gene has been found to cause 18% of sporadic and 25% of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. This discovery can help diagnose and treat the condition, reducing the risk of heart failure and sudden death.
A new study finds that total knee replacement (TKR) in elderly osteoarthritis patients can reduce mortality rates by half and lower the risk of heart failure. Additionally, TKR may result in reduced healthcare costs due to lower Medicare payments over a seven-year period.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that heart failure is associated with a 30% increase in major fractures. Researchers identified a high-risk population benefiting from increased screening and treatment for osteoporosis.
A study by Australian researchers found that heart failure is associated with a decline in people's mental processes and a loss of grey matter in the brain. This can lead to difficulties in remembering medication and carrying out instructions. The study suggests that simpler approaches to self-management may be required.
The updated appropriate use criteria provide detailed guidance on when to use invasive procedures to improve blood flow to the heart. The new criteria affirm the role of revascularization for patients with acute coronary syndromes and significant symptoms, while emphasizing careful selection of high-risk surgery patients for PCI.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has shown significant improvements in peak post-ischemic blood flow in the arm and leg, suggesting a potential novel approach to heart failure treatment. However, further exploration is needed due to conflicting data on exercise capacity and inflammatory markers.
A new study suggests that home monitoring strategies, including self-care, phone calls from nurses, and telemedicine, can effectively track heart failure disease-management and early identification. The authors recommend a multi-pronged approach, combining monitoring with patient follow-up and feedback to improve outcomes.
Studies found that p53 activation in fat tissue accelerates insulin resistance in heart failure patients. Researchers hope to develop an anti-aging therapy targeting inflammation without compromising tumor-fighting abilities.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, makes stiffened cardiac walls more elastic. The drug activates an enzyme that phosphorylates the giant protein titin, causing blood vessels to relax and improving diastolic distensibility.
Researchers used AAV vectors to increase NGF levels in the hearts of diabetic mice, preventing cardiac dysfunction and preserving blood flow. The study suggests NGF gene therapy may have tremendous therapeutic potential for treating diabetic cardiomyopathy.
A study by Purdue University found that health-literate patients with advanced degrees did not manage their heart failure symptoms better than those with lower literacy levels. Health literacy, a patient's ability to read and understand health information, was associated with proper daily care but not self-care management. The research...
A new study finds that overall hospital admission rates are a significant factor in high readmission rates across different US regions. The research suggests that improving transitional care may not be enough to address the root cause of the problem.
Among patients with infective endocarditis and heart failure, valvular surgery is associated with lower hospital and one-year mortality rates. The study found that nearly one-third of patients with high surgical propensity did not receive surgery, highlighting the need for improved recognition and treatment.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that surgery significantly improves short- and long-term outcomes in patients with heart failure caused by bacterial endocarditis. The study showed patients who underwent surgery had a lower mortality rate compared to those treated with medical therapy alone.
Researchers found that increased wave reflections are predictive of cardiovascular events and congestive heart failure, even with small increases in magnitude. This measure surpassed established risk factors like hypertension in predicting heart failure risk.
Research found that low-income older adults are at a higher risk of developing heart failure, regardless of their education level. The study highlights the need for affordable access to healthcare and healthy lifestyle promotion.
Researchers used adult stem cells to treat patients with heart failure after a myocardial infarction. The trial showed an average improvement of 12% in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and a decrease in scarred regions, suggesting that heart tissue can regenerate.
A phase 1 clinical trial of cardiac stem cells has shown promising results in patients with severe heart failure after a heart attack. LVEF increased from 30.3% to 38.5% at 4 months, and further improvement was seen at 1 year.
Research found that heart failure patients with low vitamin C intake had shorter intervals without major cardiac issues or death and were more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Inflammation pathways in heart failure may contribute to poor health outcomes.
Scientists studying drugs for dementia treatment also find promise in treating heart failure, driven by a common enzyme. Preliminary studies suggest that blocking this enzyme may help slow the progression of both conditions.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered that leg muscle dysfunction is related to the severity of symptoms in heart failure patients. Daily activity in these patients can be limited by impaired leg muscles, not just a failing heart.
A new long-term study reveals that heart transplantation is a safe and effective therapy, with survival rates improving by over 20% since its introduction in 1980. The study found that younger patients have better outcomes, while age negatively impacts survival rates.
A growing number of Canadians are living with heart failure, with approximately half a million affected. Simple tests and strategies can help reduce costs and improve outcomes for these patients. A new clinical risk score can guide admission vs. discharge decisions, predicting mortality among HF patients who present to the ED.
The study found a significant decline in hospitalization rates for heart failure among Medicare patients, with black men experiencing the lowest rate of decline. The researchers estimated that over 229,000 hospitalizations for heart failure were avoided in 2008 due to this decline.
A Yale University study found a 29.5% decline in heart failure hospitalization rates from 1998 to 2008, resulting in an estimated 229,000 fewer hospitalizations. One-year mortality rates also declined slightly, with black men experiencing the lowest rate of decline.
A new study found that adjusting therapy to keep NT-proBNP levels below 1,000 pg/ml reduced hospitalizations for heart failure symptoms by half and lowered rates of arrhythmias, stroke, heart attack, and cardiac death. Patients reported better quality of life and greater improvement in heart structure and function.
A collaborative network of scientists, including UNC's Cam Patterson, has been awarded a $6 million grant to explore the biology of heart failure and find new therapies. The project aims to define the role of proteotoxicity in clinically relevant models of heart failure.
A randomized controlled clinical study demonstrated that RESPeRATE can significantly relieve symptoms of heart failure in elderly patients. After 4 weeks of twice daily treatment sessions, patients showed a reduction in the severity of CHF measured by NYHA classification and dyspnea.
Recent studies have shown that aldosterone antagonists reduce mortality and cardiovascular complications in patients with heart failure. The benefits of these drugs are clear, with a 24% reduction in cardiovascular death and a 42% reduction in hospitalization for heart failure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a widely used pacemaker for heart failure works by raising regulator of G-protein-signaling proteins in the heart. This helps restore balance between two proteins, allowing the heart muscle to respond to hormones like adrenaline more effectively.
Research found that engaging in one healthy lifestyle behavior can decrease heart failure risk, while each additional behavior further reduces the risk. Key findings include: regular physical activity and a diet rich in vegetables lowering risk by 21-33% and 26-27%, respectively.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified SUMO1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating and preventing the progression of heart failure. Gene therapy with SUMO1 improved cardiac function in human and pig hearts, suggesting its critical role in pathogenesis.
The PERMIT-CARE trial demonstrates that MitraClip treatment improves NYHA functional class and reverse left ventricular remodeling in approximately 70% of patients. The study shows that FMR reduction with MitraClip is feasible, safe, and leads to substantial improvement in heart failure patients who do not respond to CRT.
A German team has developed a new non-invasive method to identify heart failure using an electronic nose, which can detect the condition with 89% sensitivity and 88% specificity. The study screened over 250 patients and found that the method was effective in distinguishing between different stages of heart failure.
A study of 663 advanced heart failure patients found that echocardiographic response (left ventricular reverse remodeling) was a better predictor of long-term mortality than clinical response. Echocardiographic response was independently associated with superior survival, with patients showing good response having a lower risk of death.
A study found that diastolic dysfunction prevalence increased by 39.2% in 4 years, with worsening function associated with heart failure risk. Age was a key predictor of developing diastolic dysfunction and heart failure.
A new class of drugs called cardiac myosin activators targets the motor proteins in heart failure patients, prolonging contraction duration and improving blood pumped per stroke. Omecamtiv mercabil shows promise as a safe and effective treatment option with minimal increased energy expenditure.
The first clinical studies of omecamtiv mecarbil suggest it could be a promising treatment for systolic heart failure, improving heart muscle contraction and pumping function. The drug has dose-dependent and concentration-dependent effects on cardiac function, increasing stroke volume, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening.