Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers produced human cardiomyocytes from hESCs using a sequential, directed differentiation protocol that did not rely on serum or feeder cells. Echocardiography showed attenuation of left-ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters in animals receiving cardiomyocytes compared to control groups.
A study published in Critical Care suggests that large burns can lead to cardiac problems, inflammatory responses, and hypermetabolic states. Effective treatments may focus on addressing these multiple aspects, including inflammation and organ function.
Researchers found that impaired energy production in heart muscle may underlie heart failure in some hypertensive patients. A protein called estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERR alpha) helps the heart keep up with energy-draining conditions like high blood pressure.
A study published in JCI reveals that Gq/G11-mediated signaling plays a crucial role in transmitting TSH-induced signals, regulating thyroid gland function. Mice lacking the alpha-subunits of both Gq and G11 exhibited reduced thyroid gland function and symptoms similar to hypothyroidism.
Researchers discovered that blood levels of protein ST2 indicate the presence of heart failure and predict the risk of death, even among patients without heart failure. A combination of ST2 with other biomarkers provides the most accurate prediction for all study participants.
Researchers investigate causes and treatment options for pediatric heart failure, including gene regulation, cell regeneration, and surgical interventions. The grant aims to improve treatments and reduce the need for heart transplants in children.
A class of diabetes drugs increases the risk of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a new analysis of over 78,000 patients. The risk is estimated to be up to 100% higher in patients taking thiazolinediones, and may be triggered by fluid retention caused by the drugs.
A national initiative designed to improve heart-failure patient care in hospitals resulted in significant gains, including increased adherence to key quality-of-care performance measures and reduced hospital stays. The initiative also led to favorable trends for in-hospital and post-discharge mortality rates.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are developing a novel approach to treat both congestive heart failure and major depression. The study aims to compare the impact of blended care management programs with traditional programs on various outcomes.
A University of Alberta study found that rural Albertans' strong work ethic and sense of place can influence their decision not to seek medical help for congestive heart failure. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, with patients often waiting days or even weeks for symptoms to subside.
Research found that aerobic exercise, such as walking or bicycling, significantly improved ejection fraction and reduced heart size in patients with stable heart failure. In contrast, combining aerobic exercise with strength training showed no similar benefits.
A five-year study found no significant increase in congestive heart failure among women treated with Herceptin and chemotherapy. The research team developed a prediction model to assess individual cardiac risk factors and personalize treatment.
A simple exercise test can help predict mortality risk in patients with heart failure and inform personalized treatment plans. The test measures lung efficiency and has been shown to predict future hospitalizations in systolic heart failure patients.
UPMC has started a study using the VentrAssist LVAD, a mechanical blood pump to assist the heart in pumping blood around the body. The study aims to enroll 30 patients for a multi-center feasibility trial to explore its safety and effectiveness as a bridge to transplantation.
A new study shows Pycnogenol supplementation can prevent damage to the heart caused by high blood pressure and hypertension. The natural pine bark extract enhanced collagen connective tissues in cardiac tissue, resulting in stronger cardiac chambers.
A study of 314 low-income Indiana residents with heart failure found that pharmacist-led patient-centered care resulted in patients taking their medications 16% more consistently. This approach also reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations by 19%, saving the healthcare system $14 in costs for every dollar spent.
A novel catheter technique successfully patched ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in nearly all patients, restoring normal blood circulation and relieving fluid backup in the lungs. After recovery, patients regained enough strength to safely undergo surgical repair or return to active lives.
Catheter-based aortic valve replacement using the CoreValve system improves aortic valve size and reduces heart failure severity in elderly patients. The procedure has been successfully performed on 17 high-risk patients, with all surviving the operation.
Implanted pumps improved heart function in many patients awaiting a heart transplant, allowing them to leave the hospital without a pump and without a new heart. The devices also showed progressive improvement in exercise capacity and reduced signs of heart damage.
A simple blood test taken at hospital admission can predict in-hospital mortality risk for heart failure patients, says UCLA researcher. Higher BNP levels are associated with higher mortality rates and other clinical outcomes such as mechanical ventilation and longer hospital stays.
A new study by UCLA researchers found significant changes in treatment patterns and quality-of-care indicators that paralleled improvements in clinical outcomes and mortality rates for heart failure patients. The study reported a 29% reduction in in-hospital mortality and a 36% reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation.
Researchers found a significant decline in death rates and heart failure among patients with severe heart attacks, with reductions of 4.5% and 11%, respectively. The study also showed improvements in stroke and further heart attack risk.
Researchers found that statin drugs can lower resting sympathetic nervous system activity, a factor associated with increased mortality in heart failure patients. This decrease in activity is linked to improved health outcomes and reduced risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
A study published in JAMA Network found that levosimendan did not improve survival rates for patients with decompensated heart failure compared to dobutamine. The researchers analyzed data from 1,327 patients who received either intravenous levosimendan or dobutamine and found no significant difference in long-term survival outcomes.
Recent changes in treatment guidelines for acute coronary syndromes have been associated with reductions in heart failure, stroke, and death rates. The use of pharmacological medications increased over time, while primary PCI rates rose by 37 percentage points.
Researchers provide new insights into how a key protein used to fight viruses works, raising hopes for improved treatments against viral infection. Additionally, heart stem cells are shown to be unaffected by acute heart failure, making them available for cardiac recovery. A chemical called thioredoxin also helps prevent loss of neuron...
A new nuclear medicine technique using annexin A5 imaging may help identify individuals at risk of developing heart failure by detecting programmed cell loss in the heart muscle. This could lead to earlier intervention and improved treatment options, as cell death is a key factor in worsening left ventricular events.
Researchers monitored nearly 7,000 participants of different ethnic backgrounds, revealing that African Americans developed heart failure at significantly higher rates due to diabetes and hypertension. However, when statistical techniques excluded these risk factors, racial differences in heart failure rates disappeared.
According to two studies, disease management programs designed with repetitive education and close monitoring can reduce hospital visits and increase heart failure patients' chances of long-term survival. The REMADHE study found that patients who received a nurse-based program spent an average of nine fewer days in the hospital.
The EVEREST trial showed that tolvaptan improved signs and symptoms of acutely decompensated heart failure, with significant reductions in body weight and improvements in dyspnea. Long-term use did not differ from placebo on survival endpoints, but tolvaptan may be a potential therapy for patients with heart failure.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that outpatient medication usage is not associated with anemia in patients admitted with decompensated heart failure. Additionally, the team discovered that beta blocker dose adjustment upon hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure can increase length of stay, and Fibul...
A randomized trial found that Crataegus Extract WS1442 safely prolongs the lives of congestive heart failure patients, reducing cardiac-related deaths by 20%. The study involved 2,681 patients and confirmed the safety of the compound, which is currently approved for use in some European countries.