Articles tagged with Heart Failure
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.
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.
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.
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.
A double-blind study found that immunomodulation therapy reduced the risk of death from any cause or subsequent first hospitalisation for cardiovascular reasons by 8%. In subgroups with no history of heart attack, IMT was associated with a 26% reduction in primary events.
A new study from Michigan Medicine finds that congestive heart failure patients experience high disability rates and increased need for nursing-home care. The condition imposes substantial burdens on patients, families and the long-term care system.
A study found that sunitinib increases the risk of heart problems, including heart attacks and congestive heart failure, in patients with specific tumor types. Close monitoring is recommended to manage these risks, especially in those with cardiac risk factors.
Older patients taking thiazolidinediones (TZDs) like rosiglitazone have a significantly increased risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, and death compared to other hypoglycemic drugs. This study suggests that TZDs may cause more harm than good, particularly in older adults who are already at higher risk.
A study found that glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) infusion therapy after a heart attack increased the risk of heart failure and death in the first 3 days. The therapy had no effect on 30-day or 6-month outcomes.
A new study finds that 92% of older adults with diabetes have at least one other major chronic condition, and nearly half have three or more. The severity and type of co-existing condition matter, decreasing patients' ability to manage their diabetes.
Two studies found that exercise training increases the growth of new muscle cells and blood vessels in weakened muscles of people with heart failure. The studies showed significant improvements in muscle cell regeneration and vasculogenesis, leading to better health status and increased exercise capacity.
A recent study published in JAMA found that medication tezosentan did not improve breathlessness or reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular events in patients with acute heart failure. The study included 1,435 patients and showed similar mortality rates between the treatment group and placebo.
A randomized trial found that cardiac resynchronization therapy did not improve peak oxygen uptake in patients with Class III heart failure and mechanical problems. The study's results suggest that CRT may only benefit a smaller subgroup of patients with narrower QRS complexes.
Researchers found that heart failure nurses make a positive impact on patients' adherence to nonpharmacologic treatment, particularly in daily weighing and fluid/salt restrictions. The study showed improved compliance with these measures in patients receiving intensive support from a heart failure nurse.
A small, implantable device supporting the heart works equally well for men and women, benefiting twice as many women awaiting transplants. The device helps patients with severe congestive heart failure, enabling them to leave hospitals and return to active life.
Researchers found that each year as people age, the time it takes for their heart muscles to squeeze and relax grows longer. The actual amount of blood pumped out by the heart fell by 8 milliliters per year. This decline occurred despite an increase in another standard measure of heart function.
A study published in SLEEP found that a sleep-related breathing disorder, such as central sleep apnea (CSA) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), increases heart rate variability in heart failure patients. This association may reflect different pathophysiological mechanisms involved and could potentially inform treatment strategies.
Men who consume more whole grain breakfast cereals have a lower risk of heart failure. The study found that participants with higher cereal intake had a significantly reduced risk of heart failure compared to those who didn't eat any cereal.
A literature review published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings finds that many patients with chronic heart failure can engage in sexual activity with proper screening and treatment. The authors analyzed studies on the impact of sexual activity on heart rate and blood pressure, showing moderate oxygen consumption levels comparable to normal d...
Researchers found that only 35% of eligible patients had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) installed or planned. Women and minorities are less likely to receive ICDs than white men, highlighting a need for improved treatment options.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed Medicare records of over 236,000 patients between 1999 and 2005, finding that men were two to three times more likely than women to receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The study also revealed racial disparities in ICD use, with white men receiving the most devices.
Women are less likely to receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for the primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death compared to men. According to a study published in JAMA, men are about 2-3 times more likely than women to receive ICDs within a year of entering the study.
A study published in EMBO reports reveals that AKAP18, a crucial regulator of protein kinase A, may help the heart beat faster in response to adrenaline or noradrenaline. This could lead to improved survival rates for patients with heart failure and heritable heart disease.
A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that rosiglitazone and pioglitazone increased the risk of congestive heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. However, these drugs did not increase the risk of cardiovascular death. The authors recommend caution when prescribing TZDs to patients with cardiovascular di...
A single dose of tolvaptan significantly increased urine volume and reduced pulmonary artery pressure, with more pronounced effects at higher doses. The study found no significant differences in cardiac output or other secondary outcomes.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that preventing or reducing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) decreases the risk of heart failure in high-blood-pressure patients. The study, led by Dr. Peter Okin, demonstrated a significant reduction in heart failure risk among patients with reduced LVH levels.
A new analysis of four studies found that long-term use of Avandia increased the risk of heart attack by 42% and doubled the risk of heart failure. The study, published in JAMA, suggests that the drug may cause over 4,000 excess heart attacks and 9,000 excess cases of heart failure per year.
A meta-analysis of pioglitazone treatment found a significant reduction in heart attack, stroke, and death rates among type 2 diabetes patients, with no significant increase in cardiovascular death. However, the treatment also increased the risk for serious heart failure.
A study found that carvedilol did not significantly improve heart failure outcomes in children and adolescents. The researchers evaluated the effects of carvedilol on 161 children and adolescents with heart failure and found no statistically significant difference between treatment groups.
A new study suggests that PPAR-gamma agonists, used to treat diabetes, may cause heart failure due to fat accumulation and cell dysfunction. Increased activity of the receptor leads to glucolipotoxicity, a condition characterized by deterioration in heart function.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that congestive heart failure is rare among leukemia patients taking imatinib. Only 22 out of 1,276 patients developed symptoms that could be caused by heart failure, and most had underlying medical conditions that also contributed to their condition.
A new generation of implanted heart-assisting pump has shown excellent survival rates and significant improvements in patient quality of life. The device, called the HeartMate II, helped 75% of patients stay alive for at least six months or until a donor heart became available.