Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.