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