Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
A recent survey by the ACC/AHA/HFSA found that heart failure programs in the US are struggling to find the right mix of clinicians to manage this growing patient population. The study concludes that staff ratios remain the same despite program growth, indicating under-staffing with reduced financial resources.
A UCLA-led study found that adherence to national guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure significantly lowered mortality rates. Six out of seven individual measures were associated with improved patient survival over 24 months.
The company's lead drug candidate, omecamtiv mecarbil, directly activates cardiac myosin, increasing cardiac function without changing contraction rates. This novel mechanism may provide a new therapeutic strategy for improving cardiac performance in patients with systolic heart failure.
A study published in Circulation found that patients with mild heart failure and left bundle branch block significantly benefit from CRT-D therapy, experiencing a 53% reduced risk of heart failure events. The therapy also effectively prevents cardiac remodeling and ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
A study found that elderly Medicare black patients have higher 30-day hospital readmission rates for conditions like congestive heart failure and pneumonia compared to white patients. The disparities are related to hospitals that disproportionately care for black patients, suggesting a systemic issue with the healthcare system.
A new study found that patients with implanted wireless devices to monitor pulmonary artery pressure had a 39% reduction in heart-failure related hospitalisations compared to those receiving standard care. This innovative approach shows promise for reducing healthcare costs and improving patient management.
A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) is significantly more beneficial for women than men in preventing heart disease. Women experienced a 70% reduction in heart failure and a 72% reduction in death, compared to 35% and 45%, respectively.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy significantly reduces mortality among patients with mildly symptomatic or advanced heart failure, improving long-term outcomes. The addition of CRT to optimal medical therapy or ICDs can be extended to a wider proportion of patients, benefiting the growing population affected by heart failure.
Researchers will compare non-transplant eligible patients with implanted devices to those with current medical therapy, examining potential benefits for patients less advanced than current LVAD recipients.
A DNA sequence variant, impairing kidney function channels, is associated with an increased risk of heart failure. The variant may be treated with drugs used for high blood pressure.
A national audit of heart failure treatment in England and Wales found that patients admitted to general wards were twice as likely to die as those in cardiology wards. Women and older adults fared worse in terms of appropriate investigations and treatment.
A study published in JAMA Network found that candesartan was linked to a lower risk of death at 1 and 5 years, compared to losartan, in patients with heart failure. The analysis of data from an HF registry involved 30,254 patients treated with either candesartan or losartan.
A study of over 100,000 patients found that 22.5% received ICDs without evidence-based guidelines, associated with higher risk of death and complications. The rate of non-evidence-based ICD implants varied by physician specialty and site.
A new study finds that even small changes in troponin levels can forecast worsening outcomes in heart failure patients, with accuracy comparable to traditional risk-factor prediction models. The introduction of highly sensitive troponin assays has improved detection and allowed for the identification of high-risk subgroups.
A large European study found that better-educated men and women had nearly half the risk of hospital admission for heart failure than the least well educated. The study, led by Dr. Eva Prescott, also found a socioeconomic gradient in echocardiographic indicators of both systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
A study using advanced imaging technologies has shed new light on left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), a cardiomyopathy associated with heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmias. The research reveals that developing cardiac risks appear to progress over time in patients with LVNC.
A study led by Emory University School of Medicine found that patients with low health literacy are more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. Adults with lower REALM-R scores were 55% more likely to be admitted, with those from low-income backgrounds and without a college education facing higher risks.
Researchers discovered reusing explanted ICDs with sterilized batteries is safe for patients. Shorter sleep duration linked to carotid artery thickening in men, while rapid body cooling improves heart function after CPR. Intravenous iron treatment boosts quality of life and kidney function in some chronic heart failure patients.
A new study found that automated remote patient monitoring did not improve outcomes for heart failure patients, despite daily interactions with healthcare clinicians. The system was compared to usual care based on national guidelines and showed no effect on hospitalization rates or mortality.
A telephone call-in program designed to improve doctor-patient communication for heart failure patients failed to show improved patient outcomes, according to a Yale University study. The six-month study tested a telemonitoring system that allowed patients to send daily information about their condition to their doctor.
A new blood test detects low troponin T levels, associated with increased risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death in older adults without symptoms. The study found that elevated troponin levels over time can indicate a higher risk of developing heart disease.
A new biomarker, cardiac troponin T (cTnT), has been found to be associated with the development of heart failure or cardiovascular death in older adults. Higher concentrations of cTnT were linked to a greater risk of both outcomes, independent of traditional risk factors.
A Nova Southeastern University researcher has discovered a novel method using gene therapy to block beta-arrestin 1, a protein that contributes to heart failure. The approach aims to reduce the severity of heart failure by targeting the increase of aldosterone production in the body.
Researchers found that people taking anti-clotting medication often unaware of dangers of taking herbal supplements, posing a risk to patient safety. Overweight black teenagers are at high risk for cardiovascular disease due to non-traditional risk factors such as insulin resistance and family history of heart attack.
A Mayo Clinic study found that morbidly obese heart failure patients who underwent bariatric surgery experienced significant improvements in disease symptoms and quality of life. The surgery led to better breathing during exercise and reduced swelling in the legs, even if most patients remained obese after weight loss.
A new therapeutic implant has been proven to synchronize and strengthen a fading heart beat, reducing the risk of death by 24% compared to current treatment. The device therapy, called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), also improves quality of life and reduces hospital admissions for worsening heart failure.
A 44-year-old sailor received a groundbreaking treatment for severe myocarditis, which caused inflammation of his heart muscle and led to heart failure. He was implanted with two small ventricular assist devices, making him the first person in North America to receive this life-saving therapy.
Researchers at UIC are investigating both acquired and familial causes of heart failure with a focus on identifying markers for diagnosis and targets for cures. The five-year funding supports an ongoing program-project grant led by R. John Solaro, which looks at the underlying maladaptive changes that lead to heart failure.
A landmark study found that a high resting heart rate is associated with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular and all causes, even after adjusting for other risk factors. Patients with heart rates above 78 beats per minute had a 39% increased risk of major vascular events.
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 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 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 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.