Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and University of Pennsylvania found that COX2 in mouse nerve cells plays a crucial role in pain caused by physical insult, while PDE5 inhibition may prevent hypertrophy in the mouse heart. These findings have implications for treating conditions such as postoperative and arthritic inflamma...
Researchers have provided insight into the signaling mechanisms behind high blood pressure-induced heart muscle thickening. A new study found that mice lacking RGS2 developed hypertrophy more rapidly than normal mice, leading to heart failure and death at a young age.
A study found that frequent arousals in heart failure patients with central sleep apnea may be due to an underlying arousal disorder rather than CSA. This suggests that preventing arousals from sleep could be a new treatment approach for CSA.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University's Center for Translational Medicine successfully reversed heart damage in rats with heart failure using gene therapy. The treatment, which involves administering a peptide called βARKct, inhibited the activation of a kinase that contributes to heart failure deterioration.
The Heart Failure Society of America has developed a consensus statement outlining the structure and process of care provided by heart failure clinics. The clinics aim to reduce mortality and rehospitalization rates while improving quality of life for patients through individualized patient care.
A new study suggests that an implantable hemodynamic monitor can help guide medical treatment in patients with diastolic heart failure, reducing the risk of heart failure events. The device continuously records data on heart function and other key variables, allowing healthcare professionals to make adjustments in medical therapy.
A large international study found that treatment with the medication irbesartan did not reduce the risk of death or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes among patients with diastolic heart failure, nor did it improve quality of life. The study also showed that the medication was safe for patients with the condition.
A study found that older adults taking rosiglitazone had a 15% higher rate of death and 13% greater risk of heart failure compared to those taking pioglitazone. The authors highlight the need to consider all-cause mortality risk in elderly patients, as rosiglitazone's cardiovascular effects may be more pronounced.
Adults with severe heart failure see an average of 23 providers annually, while those with mild and moderate heart failure see 15.9 and 18.6 providers respectively. Heart failure patients have higher medication rates, with 61 prescriptions written in a year, increasing risk of errors and adverse events.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for heart failure, resistin, which can independently predict an individual's risk of developing the condition. Resistin levels were found to increase the risk of new-onset heart failure by 38% and were a stronger predictor than other inflammatory markers.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina present a new theory that may lead to effective heart failure treatments by identifying the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the disease. The study suggests that MMPs, similar to those found in cancerous tumors, contribute to the progression of heart failure, leading to the...
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can protect mice from heart failure. The gas is administered intravenously to treat humans with heart failure, showing promising results in regaining heart function and reducing mortality.
Patients with moderate to severe heart failure who exercise regularly have a lower risk of hospitalization or death, according to a comprehensive study. The study found that exercise led to an 11% reduction in the risk of hospitalization or death for those in the exercise group.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified the chemical step involved in blocking the phosphodiesterase 5 enzyme, which slows down the breakdown of cyclic GMP and contributes to heart failure. The discovery paves the way for targeted drug therapies to stall progression of heart failure and hypertrophy.
A diuretic has been found to reduce the risk of heart failure in women with a preserved ejection fraction, according to a study published in Circulation. The medication, chlorthalidone, was shown to be effective in reducing the occurrence of heart failure in people with a wide range of left ventricular ejection fractions.
The study found that heart failure hospitalization rates have increased dramatically among seniors in the US, with a 131% rise from 1980 to 2006. This trend is particularly concerning for women, who experienced a higher annual percentage increase rate than men.
A study found that patients at risk for sudden cardiac death after a heart attack are those who develop heart failure or recurrent ischemia. The risk declines over time, but remains high during the first month after heart attack.
A Mayo Clinic study of nearly 3,000 heart attack survivors found that the risk of sudden cardiac death is highest in the first month after leaving the hospital. After that initial period, the risk drops significantly but rises again if symptoms of heart failure appear.
A study of 1,402 fourth-grade students found high diabetes risk factors and obesity rates among children from poor families. Whole-grain intake was linked to lower heart failure risk, while high-fat dairy and egg consumption increased the risk.
A large prospective study found that whole grain consumption lowered heart failure risk, while high-fat dairy and egg intake increased risk. Researchers recommend increasing whole grain intake and reducing high-fat dairy and egg consumption for those at high risk of heart failure.
Researchers found that heart failure patients have a fourfold higher risk of fracture and six times the risk of hip fracture compared to other heart patients. Heart failure and osteoporosis share common risk factors such as older age, female sex, smoking, and type-2 diabetes.
Researchers found that history and physical examinations accurately estimated fluid levels in patients with congestive heart failure. Additionally, those with extra fluid were at increased risk of hospitalization or death within six months.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that two common beta-blockers can stimulate a pathway that promotes cell survival and protects heart tissue. The study finds that alprenolol and carvedilol may have greater potential to repair the heart and prevent further damage.
A large study found that ICDs improve longevity without significantly affecting the quality of life for heart failure patients. Researchers monitored patients' quality of life scores over 30 months and found improvements at 3-12 months, but differences diminished over time.
The 2008 ESC guidelines cover acute and chronic heart failure, prioritizing treatment implementation and palliative care. The document identifies gaps in evidence and aims to focus future clinical research on important issues.
The Bach study reveals MR-proANP is equally useful as BNP and NT-proBNP for diagnosing acute congestive heart failure. Adding PCT marker supports differential diagnosis of pneumonia vs. heart failure in patients with shortness of breath.
A randomized controlled trial found that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduced mortality and hospital admission for cardiovascular reasons in patients with chronic heart failure. The study involved 357 Italian cardiology sites, with 3494 patients receiving PUFA supplements and 3481 receiving placebo.
A trial of intensified versus standard medical therapy in elderly patients with congestive heart failure found that increased medication doses did not improve outcomes for older adults. In contrast, younger patients showed lower death rates and fewer hospitalizations with intensified therapy.
A recent study found significant racial, age and geographic disparities in the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), a treatment for heart failure. The research examined nearly 34,000 hospital admissions and discovered that CRT was underutilized in certain populations, such as older patients and those from the Northeast.
A new method has been developed to accurately determine the severity of heart failure in US hospital patients, using data from 260 hospitals across the country. The model identifies key patient characteristics that predict in-hospital mortality, such as admission creatinine levels and systolic blood pressure.
A major international clinical trial has found that a simpler approach to treating atrial fibrillation in patients with congestive heart failure can significantly reduce hospitalization rates and eliminate the need for repeated cardioversions. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, enrolled 1,376 patients at 123 h...
Research from the University of Pennsylvania reveals that hyponatremia is associated with worse right heart function and poorer patient outcomes in PAH patients. The study found that low serum sodium levels are linked to higher mortality rates, hospitalization rates, and severity of right heart failure.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that activated vitamin D treatments can prevent heart muscle cells from growing bigger and reduce contractions associated with heart failure. The study's results suggest a new way to treat heart failure and provide hope for people affected by the condition.
A study found that prolonged QRS duration on an ECG is associated with high postdischarge mortality and readmission rates. Patients with a prolonged baseline QRS duration had a 24% increased risk of death and a 28% increased risk for the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization.
A Saint Louis University study found that patients with advanced heart failure may not benefit from implantable cardiac devices due to their underlying illness. The researchers identified two red flags: prolonged hospitalization and use of inotropic therapy, which are associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that heart failure patients significantly overestimate their life expectancy, with an average prediction of 13 years beyond accepted survival models. Despite this, patients' predictions showed no correlation with disease severity or clinical outcomes.
A study found that patients with heart failure significantly overestimated their remaining life span, with median overestimation of 40% compared to clinical predictions. Younger patients and those with more severe disease were more likely to make longer predictions, while depression was not a predictive factor.
A Europe-wide survey revealed significant differences between heart doctors' treatment approaches, with many failing to adhere to recommended guidelines. However, a second study found that pre-operative statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of death and complications after cardiac surgery.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University will study molecular mechanisms of cardiac injury leading to heart failure, as well as cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote repair in the adult failing heart. The four-lab project aims to find data that can be translated into novel therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found that treatment with BH4 stabilizes the pumping function of failing hearts and dramatically shrinks muscle size in a short timeframe. The study's findings offer proof of principle that damage to the heart can be stopped and reversed, providing a potential therapy for high blood pressure.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered that a protective heart failure protein also regulates blood pressure. Lowering this protein's levels in animal models increased blood pressure. The study suggests S100A1 could be a novel therapeutic target for treating hypertension and heart failure.
A study of over 43,000 Canadian patients reveals that two commonly used ACE inhibitors, enalapril and captopril, are associated with a 10-15% increase in mortality compared to ramipril for older adults with congestive heart failure. The authors recommend considering alternative treatments due to the higher mortality risk
Researchers have discovered a unique genetic profile associated with alcohol-induced heart failure, which could enable earlier diagnoses and monitor clinical outcomes. The study's findings offer new hope for addressing this condition, particularly when caught early through aggressive intervention.
Researchers found that heart failure patients with poor health status have higher symptom burden, depression, and lower spiritual well-being than cancer patients. Palliative care is underused in heart failure patients, but identifying those who may benefit from it, such as those with low health status scores, can improve quality of life.
Aerobic exercise combined with cognitive behavioral therapy may improve depression, physical function and quality of life in depressed heart failure patients. The study found that the combination group showed significant improvement in depression symptoms and physical function tests compared to other groups.
A remote monitoring program can improve heart failure patients' condition and reduce hospital readmissions. Patients who participated in the program had lower average hospital readmission rates compared to those receiving usual care.
Researchers found a strong link between severe overweight and prolonged inflammation of the heart tissue, leading to heart failure. Inflammation also plays a key role in metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
A new UCLA study identified common precipitating factors that may contribute to hospital admissions nationwide for heart failure. Researchers found pneumonia, irregular heart beats, and obstructed blood flow to the heart as the most frequent contributing factors.
Research found that 40% of African-Americans have a genetic variant that protects them from heart failure and prolongs their lives. The variant has an effect similar to beta blockers, which are widely prescribed for heart failure. This study resolves the controversy surrounding beta blocker efficacy in African-American patients.
A genetic variation found predominantly in African Americans acts as a natural 'beta-blockade', protecting against death and the need for a heart transplant. The discovery adds to evidence that genetic differences influence medication response, highlighting potential for personalized medicine.
New guidance suggests glitazones have a place in combined treatments but lack evidence for solo use; side effects include heart failure and increased risk of heart attack.
Women with poor kidney filtering ability are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death, according to a new study published by the American Heart Association. The research found that those with advanced kidney dysfunction had a 3.16 times higher risk of SCD than women with normal kidney function.
A study by University College London found that beta-blockers slow heart failure progression through direct brain action, challenging existing views on their mechanism. The research suggests targeting the central nervous system may lead to novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that pacemakers not only mechanically correct irregular heartbeats but also produce chemical changes that benefit the heart muscle. Studies in dogs with congestive heart failure showed significant improvements in protein levels and activity, reducing cell death and fibrosis.
A study of 4,248 RA patients found that TNF inhibitors reduced heart failure risk when disease activity was high. The treatment also protected the heart and vital organs by reducing inflammation.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that heart failure incidence declined among the very elderly, while overall cases rose due to an aging population. The study examined Medicare beneficiaries' claims between 1994 and 2003 and found a decline in heart failure rates among those aged 80-84 years old.
The number of elderly individuals newly diagnosed with heart failure has declined, but those already living with the condition have increased steadily since 1994. This study found a significant economic burden on Medicare due to an aging population.
Researchers found that leaky muscle cells cause fatigue in both marathoners and heart failure patients. An experimental drug that plugs the leak may provide relief from exhaustion for those with chronic heart failure.
A Saint Louis University study found that less than a quarter of physicians can accurately predict patients' six-month mortality from heart failure. The study highlights existing knowledge gaps and uncertainty among doctors about end-stage care options, including palliative measures and hospice referrals.
A new study found that combining coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) reduces the likelihood of subsequent heart problems by 24%, compared to 55% for CABG alone. SVR improves heart function, enabling patients to stay active and participate in daily activities without exhaustion.