Articles tagged with Heart Failure
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Researchers found that majority of heart failure patients pass away in acute care hospital, resulting in significantly higher costs. The study examined data from over 30,000 elderly patients with heart failure who died between 2000 and 2006 in Alberta, highlighting the need for discussions about end-of-life care options.
A UCLA-led consortium will compare two approaches to help heart failure patients transition from inpatient to outpatient care, aiming to reduce readmissions. The project aims to identify approaches that can improve quality and reduce cost of care across different communities.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have identified a potential molecular mechanism to prevent cardiac hypertrophy, the precursor to heart failure. The study reveals that inhibiting histone deacetylase 5 and activating the PKA enzyme can stop unwanted enlargement of the heart.
A new study published in JAMA found that self-management counseling for patients with mild to moderate heart failure did not reduce the rate of death or hospitalization compared to educational materials alone. Despite advances in therapies, patient nonadherence remains a significant challenge.
Researchers found that inhibiting GRK2 protects heart cells from destruction after a heart attack, while excess GRK2 leads to more damage. The discovery suggests that anti-GRK2 gene therapy may help prevent permanent heart damage.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center San Antonio will study protein fragments released into the bloodstream following heart attacks to identify those who need more intensive treatment. The goal is to develop a blood test to diagnose which heart attack survivors are at risk of heart failure.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that half of patients with advanced disease in palliative care settings don't benefit from oxygen therapy, and receiving pure oxygen or room air offers equal relief. The study suggests alternative methods, such as using a small fan, may be equally effective.
The incidence of acute myocardial infarction sharply increased among young Italian women between 2001 and 2005, with a total of over 118,000 reported cases in 2005. The study also found that the increase was higher in younger women aged 45-64 years.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that structural defects in heart muscle cells occur before functional decline, suggesting a potential window for intervention. The team used imaging techniques to visualize changes in T-tubule networks, which were accompanied by reduced junctophilin-2 levels and compromised integrity.
The SHIFT study found that ivabradine significantly reduced cardiovascular death and hospitalization for worsening heart failure when added to standard treatment in patients with a high heart rate. Lowering heart rates with ivabradine was also associated with improved clinical outcomes, including an average reduction of 15 bpm.
A new study published by the American Heart Association compares the risks of diabetes drugs rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, finding that patients taking either medication have a similar risk of heart attack, heart failure, or death. The study included over 36,000 patients and followed them for 33 months.
A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that physicians are losing ground in prescribing recommended medications for treating congestive heart failure. The use of ACE-inhibitors and beta blockers has declined since the early 2000s, with only about one-third of patients receiving these life-saving treatments.
A Cochrane Systematic Review found that telemonitoring reduces mortality in patients with chronic heart failure, while structured telephone support has no significant benefit on mortality. Both technologies significantly reduced hospitalizations due to worsening of heart failure.
Patients with severe heart failure who request withdrawal of ventricular assist device (VAD) support have the right to do so, according to Mayo Clinic investigators. The VAD is a long-term treatment option for patients with severe heart failure, but some experience complications that lead them to request its removal.
A new performance intervention improved adherence to national guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure patients in an outpatient setting. The program applied clinical decision support tools, structured improvement strategies, and medical chart audits with feedback to help clinicians better provide evidence-based therapies.
A study of 601 childhood cancer survivors found that 27% had abnormal cardiac function, with no evidence that sex or certain treatments were risk factors. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of these patients to prevent further deterioration of cardiac function.
A University of Alberta study discovered that muscular heart failure patients with more muscle mass tend to have better nutritional status and reduced severity of the disease. Higher body fat is associated with increased inflammation and reduced exercise capacity, suggesting a potential benefit from having lower body fat.
Research from the Sleep Heart Health Study found that severe obstructive sleep apnea raised the risk of heart failure and coronary heart disease in men. Men with the most severe OSA faced a 58% higher risk of developing heart failure and a 68% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those without OSA.
Research by UC Health cardiologists found that while worsening kidney function is common among heart failure patients, those with transient worsening kidney function have better outcomes than those with persistent kidney failure. The study of 467 patients also showed a significant difference in mortality rates between the two groups.
A new study found that rosiglitazone, a medication for treating Type 2 diabetes, is associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, and death compared to pioglitazone. The study analyzed data from over 227,000 patients aged 65 and older who took the medications from 2006 to 2009.
Researchers identified two experimental drugs that harness the fight-or-flight response to restore pumping strength to failing hearts. By targeting a key protein, these compounds slow and halt the progression of heart disease.
A new thesis from the University of Gothenburg reveals that mechanical heart pumps can significantly improve survival rates among patients with life-threatening heart failure. The treatment has been shown to be particularly effective for young and middle-aged patients, as well as those who are awaiting a heart transplant.
A new gene therapy called SERCA2a has been shown to be safe and effective in reversing advanced heart failure by stimulating the production of an enzyme that enables the heart to pump more effectively. Patients who received SERCA2a demonstrated improvements in symptoms, heart function, and severity of heart failure.
A study analyzing Medicare data found that heart failure patients experienced a decrease in in-hospital mortality and length of stay, but an increase in hospital readmissions and skilled nursing facility discharges between 1993 and 2006.
Patients who received treatment beyond recommended times for heart attacks had a significantly increased risk of death within 30 days. Treatment within recommended delays was associated with lower mortality rates, with each 10% increase in timely treatment linked to a decrease in 30-day mortality.
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that the newer left ventricular assist device HeartMate II has a significantly lower risk of infection than its predecessor, the HeartMate I XVE. The new device is smaller and uses synthetic ruby bearings lubricated by blood itself, reducing the risk of infection by 75%.
Researchers found that black patients had slightly higher 30-day readmission rates than white patients, with disparities persisting at minority-serving hospitals. Improving efforts at poor-performing hospitals could increase quality of care and reduce racial healthcare disparities.
Researchers found significant cost increases in Medicare claims between 2003 and 2006, with DES contributing $3.32 billion to growth and ICDs contributing $774 million. Average costs for coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure patients increased substantially, driven by the use of these devices.
Researchers found that females receiving CRT-D therapy had a 70% reduction in heart failure progression and a 72% reduction in death from any cause. Men received some benefit, but not the out-of-the-park results seen in women.
A $2.7 million NIH grant will help identify how cognitive impairments affect heart failure patients' self-management behaviors, aiming to improve patient health and reduce medical costs. The four-year study will evaluate the relationship between cognitive abilities and self-management behaviors.
A study found that hospitals with higher rates of following up patients within one week after discharge for heart failure treatment have lower readmission rates at 30 days. Early follow-up evaluation is critical for assessing patient clinical status outside the hospital setting.
A study of over 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries found that fewer than 40% received follow-up care within seven days of discharge. Patients with consistent follow-up were 15% less likely to be readmitted within 30 days. Implementing a simple follow-up system can prevent readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
Research found that long-term anabolic steroid users had weaker left ventricle function and impaired diastolic function compared to non-steroid users. Eighty-three percent of steroid users had low ejection fraction, linked to increased risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
Researchers present novel approaches to identify and treat congenital cardiovascular defects, which can lead to heart failure. Studies focus on molecular mechanisms and imaging techniques to diagnose and follow patients.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that heart failure patients developing kidney failure after LVAD surgery experience significantly decreased survival rates and prolonged hospitalizations. The researchers suggest improving patient selection and reducing cardio-pulmonary bypass time to mitigate the risk of kidney failure.
A study found that older patients (age 80+), particularly those over 85, had higher in-hospital death rates and more complications after defibrillator or pacemaker implantation. Despite this, they were less likely to have other comorbidities or concurrent cardiac procedures.
Researchers identified KLF15 as a genetic factor regulating both heart failure and aneurysm disease. The study found that deficiency of this gene predisposes individuals to these cardiovascular diseases, but also discovered potential therapeutic targets through the inhibition of p53.
A new therapy reduces mortality and heart failure risk in patients with mild cardiac disease, showing a 34% reduction in death or heart failure risk compared to those receiving only an ICD. The treatment has been approved for use in the US, benefiting nearly 4 million Americans with milder forms of heart failure.
A new study found that obese heart failure patients have a significantly lower risk of sudden cardiac death compared to non-obese patients. The researchers analyzed data from 1,231 patients with low ejection fraction and found a strong inverse relationship between BMI and the risk of sudden cardiac death.
A University of Iowa study suggests a way to improve heart treatment by targeting key heart-related mechanisms with drugs that maintain the positive effects of calmodulin kinase II while reducing its negative effects. The findings aim to prevent unwanted calcium activity and related molecular problems that lead to cell overload and death.
A study of Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure found that Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to use hospice care compared to white patients. Cultural differences, lack of trust between patients and physicians, and access issues may contribute to these disparities.
A new study from the Institute for Aging Research found that blacks and Hispanics have significantly lower odds of receiving hospice care for advanced heart failure compared to whites. The study highlights the need to ensure equal access to and education about hospice services, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities.
A new report suggests that a comprehensive assessment one week after hospital discharge can identify heart failure patients at highest risk for adverse outcomes. This evaluation includes patient history, review of medications, physical examination, laboratory data, and health status assessments.
Researchers have developed a new nanoscale scanning technique that provides unprecedented insight into the surface of individual heart muscle cells in minute detail. The findings may lead to better-designed beta-blockers and improved therapeutic approaches for treating heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms.
Researchers found that patients with a low ejection fraction in the right ventricle had a significantly increased risk of death. The study suggests that measuring RVEF can help identify high-risk patients and improve treatment outcomes.
UCSF researchers identified a protein called B1N1 that helps the heart contract. This discovery sheds light on how individual heart cells organize to pump blood through the body.
A new chemical compound has been discovered that may help treat and prevent diastolic heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to relax after contraction. The research found that adding tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) to blood vessels can restore function to the heart and prevent the disease from developing.
Researchers found that even mild low potassium levels increase the risk of death in heart failure patients with chronic kidney disease. The study suggests routine monitoring and maintaining safe potassium levels to mitigate poor outcomes.
A study using genetically modified mice reveals a previously unidentified mechanism contributing to heart failure, specifically the decreased release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This finding opens up a new avenue for treating failing hearts and highlights the significance of acetylcholine regulation in cardiac function.
A study published in PLoS ONE found a correlation between DNA methylation and heart failure, suggesting that environmental factors may play a key role in the development of the disease. The researchers compared DNA from diseased hearts with healthy hearts and found distinct 'marks' on the genome
Several anticancer drugs have been linked to heart failure in patients, with research now shedding light on the role of PDGFR-beta. In mouse models, inhibition of PDGFR-beta signaling was found to exacerbate heart failure under pressure overload conditions.
Researchers found that gene therapy to express a constitutively active form of protein I-1c in heart muscle cells improved contractile function in young mice, but led to abnormal heartbeats and sudden death under stress. Older mice developed characteristic features of heart failure after treatment.
Researchers question the safety of gene therapy targeting I-1c in treating heart failure after finding it can cause abnormal heartbeats and sudden death. Additionally, a study reveals that certain anticancer drugs can cause heart failure by triggering PDGFR-beta signaling in heart muscle cells.
A new UCLA study has found that metformin is safe for use in treating patients with both diabetes and advanced heart failure, suggesting improved survival rates. The study involved 401 patients who were followed for 14 years and showed a lower risk of death among those taking metformin.
Researchers have found an antidepressant, clorgyline, can blunt and reverse muscle enlargement and weakened pumping function associated with heart failure. The drug blocks the action of enzyme monoamine oxidase-A and stops its breakdown of a key neurohormone, norepinephrine.
A study published in the December 2009 issue of HeartRhythm found that only half of eligible heart failure patients received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden cardiac death. The study also revealed wide variations in ICD use, with certain patient groups more likely to receive the devices.
Researchers identified a new tumor suppressor gene, SCARA5, that is frequently silenced in human liver cancer, and also found genetic variants in the HSPB7 gene linked to heart failure. The study suggests that these genetic changes can contribute to cancer development and progression.
A team of researchers has identified 12 genetic variants in the HSPB7 gene associated with heart failure. The study found a block of 12 genetic variants linked to heart failure in a large group of individuals.
A large-scale study found that less than half of eligible patients with heart failure receive cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. The therapy is particularly beneficial for patients with disorganized heartbeats, but widespread variations in CRT use were observed among practices and patient characteristics.
Researchers found that bone marrow cells can significantly reduce the risk of death or another heart attack in patients who have had a heart attack. The treatment, known as progenitor-cell therapy, showed benefits for at least two years after the initial heart attack.