Articles tagged with Heart Failure
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.
The use of implantable devices for treating heart failure increased substantially in Europe between 2004-2008, but disparities in device adoption remain. Device therapy, including ICDs and CRT, has gained acceptance as an adjunct to traditional drug treatment, with significant benefits in reducing mortality and morbidity.
A study led by Sandra Dunbar found that educating family members of heart failure patients about healthy eating habits can significantly reduce their sodium intake. The intervention, which combined patient and family education with support communication skills, resulted in a significant decrease in urinary sodium excretion.
The HEAAL study found that higher-dose losartan (150mg) reduces death or hospital admission for heart failure by 10% compared to low-dose (50mg). The high dose also showed a significant reduction in hospital admissions, with a hazard reduction of 13%.
A new study by Henry Ford Health reveals that heart failure patients developing kidney dysfunction in the hospital have a poor prognosis, with only 39% experiencing short-lived kidney issues. The research highlights the importance of understanding why kidney dysfunction persists in some patients and finding ways to prevent it.
A new generation of implanted devices has shown astounding improvements in survival, quality of life, reduced complications, and device durability in patients with heart failure. The newer devices have a higher success rate, allowing patients to walk longer distances and improving their overall well-being.
Researchers have identified desmin protein changes in heart muscle cells that strengthen the link between Alzheimer's disease and chronic heart failure. The study found that misshaped desmin proteins and amyloid-like debris are present in both heart tissue and brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a common underlying cause.
A study found that statins can worsen symptoms in patients with diastolic heart failure, causing increased dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance. However, statins still benefit patients with systolic heart failure. Researchers warn of individual patient variations in response to statin therapy.
A study of 2332 patients with chronic heart failure found that participation in clinical trials was associated with improved survival rates. The study suggests that being prepared to take part in a trial may be a marker for better compliance and acceptance of treatment.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has released new guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease, cardiovascular risk evaluation tools, and simplified target levels. The guidelines aim to provide evidence-based medicine for clinicians and improve heart health in Canadians.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society recognizes Dr. Gavin Y. Oudit's groundbreaking research on a new class of drugs for treating heart failure, with the potential to also treat kidney and lung diseases. Oudit's innovative program has yielded major discoveries and established him as a world leader in this exciting area of research.
A study found that only one-third of US patients meeting guidelines criteria were treated with aldosterone antagonists, compared to 48% in the Euro Heart Failure survey. European clinicians have greater leeway and often push new indications in their practice, leading to a more liberal approach.
Researchers found a significant association between cardiovascular disease diagnosis and increased risk of subsequent hip fracture. The study, using twins from the Swedish Twin Registry, suggests that genetic predisposition plays a major role in this relationship.
Recent data suggests that less than one-third of hospitalized heart failure patients received guideline-recommended aldosterone antagonist therapy. The study analyzed hospital-based quality improvement registry data and found modest increases in treatment use over time, but significant variation among hospitals.
The fixed-dose combination ACTOplus met (pioglitazone HCl and metformin HCl) was shown to be more effective in reducing hemoglobin A1c levels than either component alone, with 64% of patients reaching the goal of ≤7 percent. Additionally, the study found significant reductions in insulin resistance and fasting plasma glucose levels.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital developed a new mathematical model to quickly and reliably diagnose acute heart failure (AHF) in emergency room patients. The model uses natriuretic-peptide levels and clinician judgement to improve diagnosis accuracy from less than 80% to over 80%
Scientists used gene transfer to increase heart muscle cell contractions, improving cardiac function and quality of life for patients. The fast molecular motor gene transfer showed promise in reversing the course of heart failure.
A large prospective population study found no difference in heart failure risk between fish eaters and non-eaters. However, a beneficial effect was observed in diabetic subjects with high EPA + DHA intake.
A study found that a physician-led hospital-at-home service can improve depression, nutritional status, and quality-of-life scores in elderly patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure. The alternative to traditional hospital care resulted in no significant differences in mortality rates or hospital admissions.
A meta-analysis of previously published research found that implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy does not significantly reduce all-cause mortality in women with advanced heart failure. This suggests that a larger study population may be needed to show any benefit of defibrillator implantation in women.
Endothelin receptor antagonists have shown benefits in treating pulmonary hypertension, resistant arterial hypertension, and proteinuric renal disease. These drugs work by blocking the effects of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor that can contribute to various diseases.
A landmark study published in NEJM found that a new therapy combining CRT-D reduces the risk of death or heart failure by 34%, with a significant reduction in heart failure hospitalizations. This trial demonstrates the effectiveness of CRT-D therapy for patients with mild cardiac disease, improving both survival and quality of life.
The MADIT-CRT study found that CRT-D therapy reduces the risk of heart failure or death by 34% compared to ICD-only therapy, with benefits seen across various patient sub-groups. This results validate a new indication for CRT-D therapy in preventing heart failure in at-risk patients.
The survey enrolled 2438 patients with a mean age of 68 years, showing characteristic differences between those receiving CRT-P and CRT-D devices. Demographic and economic factors play a significant role in device selection, with younger patients, men, and those with ischaemic aetiology more likely to receive a CRT-D device.
A new therapy called cardiac resynchronization can significantly delay the onset of heart failure symptoms and hospitalization for up to 41% with pacing therapy. The treatment improves heart-pumping efficiency, enabling patients like Rosemary Jakubowski to engage in physical activities without fatigue.
Researchers found that irbesartan reduced the risk of heart failure complications and a combination of stroke and other events by 13-14% in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study also showed significant reductions in hospitalizations for cardiovascular reasons and days spent in hospital.
A recent analysis of 1.2 million Swedish hospital cases reveals that heart failure is associated with poor survival rates, more deaths, and premature life-years lost compared to common cancers. Heart failure affects more men and women than most cancer types, particularly in Sweden.
Concomitant kidney dysfunction and worsening renal function in heart failure patients are associated with a poor prognosis. New treatments target improving renal function and preventing its deterioration during hospitalizations for acute heart failure.
A collaborative doctor-pharmacist partnership reduces hospitalizations for heart failure patients by cutting medication misuse and improving adherence. The Australian model, which includes home visits and follow-up appointments, results in a significant reduction in hospitalization rates.
Researchers found that urinary albumin to creatine ratio is a powerful and independent predictor of heart failure prognosis, even in patients without diabetes or kidney disease. A high ratio was associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes and hospital admission for worsening heart failure.
The review article reveals striking sex differences in heart failure risk factors and patient prognosis between men and women. Women tend to develop HF at an older age with stronger hearts, while men are more likely to have coronary artery disease as the underlying cause.
Two studies published in JAMA found that adopting a healthy lifestyle reduces lifetime risk of heart failure, with men who exercised regularly, drank moderately, and had a balanced diet having a lower risk. The studies also found an association between adherence to modifiable lifestyle factors and a significantly lower incidence of hyp...
A study found that men who exercised regularly, drank moderately, didn't smoke, were not overweight, and followed a healthy diet had a lower lifetime risk of heart failure. The remaining lifetime risk was approximately 2-4% higher in men with hypertension compared to those without.
Researchers found that diabetic patients with heart failure who have blood glucose levels slightly higher than recommended have the lowest risk of death. In contrast, those with levels too high or too low are at increased risk of mortality.
A 16-year-old girl, Hannah Clark, has made a remarkable recovery after having her transplanted heart removed 10.5 years after it was implanted. Her own heart had recovered sufficiently to operate on its own, allowing the donor heart to be removed without major complications.
Researchers are developing innovative cell cycle-based strategies to stimulate heart muscle tissue repair, as well as studying molecular mechanisms of non-compaction of the left ventricle. The goal is to identify risk factors associated with death and improve treatment outcomes for children with congenital heart defects.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that atrial fibrillation significantly increases hospitalization due to worsening heart failure in patients not receiving beta-blockers. However, the risk of all-cause mortality was similar between those with and without atrial fibrillation.
A new study reports a safe and effective nonsurgical technique for repairing leaking mitral valves, which could significantly reduce risks associated with surgical repair. The Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Annuloplasty (PTMA) system improved mitral regurgitation in patients treated with the reversible implant.
A landmark study demonstrates a significant reduction in heart failure or death in patients with heart disease who received CRT-D versus ICD-only. The MADIT-CRT trial showed a 29% decrease in mortality and heart failure symptoms, improving survival and outcome for patients with severe heart disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found a peptide that preserves and improves kidney function during heart failure, potentially reducing the risk of kidney damage. The new compound has been tested in laboratory and animal models and is expected to move into clinical trials next year.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure found that low NT-proBNP levels can exclude significant left ventricular dysfunction, but elevated values are non-specific. For older patients and those with diabetes or hypertension, a negative predictive value of over 99% was observed.
A study found that hospitalists who staff short-stay units with accessible diagnostic tests and consultations have successful stays. Patients requiring less complex care had successful stays, while those needing specialty consultations were more likely to have unsuccessful stays.
A recent phase II study found aleglitazar to be safe and well-tolerated, reducing HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication also showed a favorable lipid profile without significant cardiovascular risks.
A study found that rosiglitazone, used in combination with standard diabetes treatments, does not increase cardiovascular disease or death risk but doubles the risk of heart failure and fractures, mainly in women. The study included 4447 patients with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that preventing vascular congestion can help alleviate symptoms of heart failure. The study suggests that targeting venous endothelial responses may be an effective way to prevent congestion and improve outcomes for patients with heart failure.
The Réseau Respecti-coeur program emphasizes personalized nutrition, allowing patients to adapt their healthy eating habits to their taste and lifestyle. Interactive cooking demonstrations and recipes provide support for heart-healthy meal preparation.
Several novel biomarkers have been discovered in heart failure syndrome, including ST2, troponins, AGEs, adrenomedullin, and estradiol. These biomarkers offer valuable information for diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment monitoring, as well as providing insights into the disease's underlying pathophysiology.
Patients with both obesity and diabetes face a significantly worse prognosis, with effective treatment being
Acute exacerbations of heart failure are frequent and serious, but recognizing early warning signs can minimize delays in treatment. Shortness of breath is the most common symptom, often described as suffocation or heavy breathing. Families should also be taught to recognize other symptoms such as cough, chest pain, and fatigue.
New telemonitoring systems provide a more interactive experience for patients with heart failure, offering education, feedback, and advice on adjusting therapy. These systems have shown promise in reducing mortality and hospitalization rates, but service integration is crucial to fully realizing their benefits.
Researchers say that improved treatment selection and new therapies could help reduce mortality and rehospitalization rates in acute heart failure. Current treatments have not changed much despite the growing prevalence of heart failure, and the current guidelines emphasize urgent therapy.
Studies found promising results for new treatments, including an inotropic drug and vasodilator relaxin, which improved symptoms and outcomes in patients with stable heart failure. Additional research is needed to assess safety and effectiveness of these treatments.
Researchers demonstrated a non-invasive procedure that increased myocytes and reduced cardiac tissue injury by 60%, improving heart function by 40%. The therapy also reduced fibrosis, promoting regeneration of heart tissue.
A new study found that anemia in chronic heart failure patients is associated with a significantly increased risk of death and poorer left ventricular function. Researchers analyzed data from 97,699 patients and concluded that optimal treatment of anemia may reduce mortality rates and improve patient outcomes.