Articles tagged with Heart Failure
A Mayo Clinic study has identified a significant increase in mortality from stroke among patients with heart failure. The research found that older individuals with previous strokes or diabetes were more likely to experience a stroke, leading to a higher risk of death.
Researchers found that people with nonsystolic heart failure can refill their hearts properly, but struggle with pumping blood during exercise. This challenges conventional wisdom and suggests alternative therapies, such as pacemakers or drugs that enhance blood vessel dilation, may be beneficial for these patients.
A new study found that left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) can significantly extend the lives of patients with end-stage heart failure. The device reduced mortality risk by 50% at six and 12 months, extending average life span from 3.1 months to over 10 months.
A study found that low VO2max levels are a significant predictor of long-term mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with a VO2max below 18 ml/kg/min had a high risk of dying within 10 years, even after adjusting for age and other factors.
UT Southwestern researchers found that heart failure patients with impaired skin-blood flow responses are at risk of heat-related complications. The study suggests that these patients should be more aware of the heat and seek shade or air-conditioned environments if feeling overheated.
A randomized controlled trial found that therapy guided by pulmonary artery catheter monitoring did not improve survival or reduce hospital stays for patients with severe heart failure. However, the study suggests that PAC monitoring may be beneficial for patients who do not respond to initial therapy.
CK-1827452 selectively activates cardiac myosin, increasing contractility without changes in cellular calcium transient. The drug demonstrates improvement in cardiac function and output in a dog model of heart failure, supporting its therapeutic hypothesis.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a molecular defect in specialized proteins called ryanodine receptors (RyRs) as a possible cause of heart failure. The RyRs malfunction, leading to calcium imbalances that prevent the heart from contracting effectively and relaxing adequately.
A large analysis of Medicare records suggests that aspirin is not harmful and may even lower mortality rates in patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease. However, the debate remains controversial, with some experts recommending limiting or avoiding aspirin use for these patients.
A study found that heart failure patients with high predicted risk of death within a year are less likely to receive appropriate medications, including ACE inhibitors and beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists. The researchers suggest underappreciation of therapy benefits and multiple comorbid conditions may contribute to the treatment mismatch.
A study of 32 patients with heart failure found that those experiencing depression had nearly twice the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in their blood. This increase was associated with worsened heart function, as TNF-alpha promotes inflammation and reduces the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
The Cardiac Insufficiency BIsoprolol Study III suggests starting patients on bisoprolol may reduce the risk of death, especially in the first year of treatment. The study found no significant differences in efficacy or tolerability between bisoprolol and ACE inhibitor initiation strategies.
A study of Euro Heart Survey data reveals significant gender disparities in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease. Women tend to be older, have more comorbidities, and are less likely to receive certain treatments.
Resynchronization therapy has shown efficacy in a specific subgroup of patients with heart failure, improving hemodynamic benefits, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and mortality. However, controversies surround its role in narrow QRS, atrial fibrillation, or right ventricular failure, as well as patient selection, due to high costs.
The updated guidelines focus on prolonging life, reducing morbidity, and improving quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure. New neurohormonal antagonists, ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are key components of therapy.
The ESSENTIAL trial found that low-dose oral enoximone therapy improved exercise capacity and reduced hospitalization rates in patients with advanced heart failure. However, the study also showed no significant difference in mortality rates between the enoximone and placebo groups.
The study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of continuous telemonitoring of multiple disease-relevant parameters in patients with chronic heart failure. The results show that treatment can be adjusted before deterioration, leading to a gain in feeling of security and reduced hospital re-admissions.
The SIRIUS II clinical trial demonstrated dose-dependent favorable hemodynamic effects and improvements in cardiac output and dyspnea score in patients with acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADHF). Ularitide was well-tolerated, preserving kidney function during treatment.
A telemonitoring system tracks patients' vital parameters at home, enabling early detection of hemodynamic imbalance and prompt intervention. The study found improved health outcomes and reduced hospital re-admissions in patients with chronic heart failure.
Acute heart failure is a significant concern, affecting approximately 30% of acute coronary syndrome patients, with female patients showing higher prevalence rates. Hospitalizations for heart failure are comparable to myocardial infarctions, with high mortality rates during hospitalization and follow-up.
A recent international survey found that nearly 90% of Europeans are aware of heart failure, but only 3% can identify its symptoms. The study also revealed major misconceptions about the condition, including the notion that it is a normal consequence of aging or that modern drugs cannot prevent its development.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a potential biomarker, GRK2, that can predict the severity of heart failure. Elevated levels of this enzyme in the blood are associated with more severe heart failure and may help identify patients who would benefit from specific treatments.
Patients with heart failure and low hemoglobin levels are at increased risk of complications, including hospitalization and mortality. Studies show that treating anemia may reduce the risk of death by up to 22% in these patients.
Researchers have discovered that during early stages of heart failure, the heart uses too much fatty acid and not enough carbohydrate; later on, it doesn't use enough fat. This new knowledge can lead to better treatments, but the existing drugs don't remedy the inefficiency.
Two studies using standardized measures found that hospitals improved on 15 of 18 clinical performance measures, but didn't show significant reductions in early deaths from heart attacks and injuries during delivery. The findings suggest that higher levels of adherence with evidence-based guidelines are achievable, but may be somewhat ...
A study of 3,558 US hospitals found that patients received inadequate care for six quality indicators, with performance varying by region, hospital type, and profit status. Hospitals in the Northeast and Midwest scored higher than those in the West and South, while not-for-profit hospitals outperformed for-profits.
A study found that insulin resistance is a predictor of congestive heart failure (CHF) in elderly men, independent of diabetes and other established risk factors. Insulin resistance was also associated with more severe disease and a worse prognosis in patients with CHF.
PediPump, a small rotary dynamic VAD, demonstrates excellent hemodynamic performance in children. Researchers plan to further reduce its size to enable implantation as a totally implantable pediatric VAD.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have made a breakthrough in understanding the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI(3)K) in heart failure. They found that preventing PI(3)K's activation could block the loss of heart receptors, potentially improving heart function in patients with heart failure.
The study found significant variations in the quality of heart failure treatment across US hospitals, with only 24% of patients receiving complete discharge instructions. Hospitals with better performance measures had fourfold lower mortality rates and 70% more patients given discharge information.
A large registry study found that vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin and nesiritide, have a lower in-hospital mortality rate compared to positive inotropes like dobutamine and milrinone for treating acute decompensated heart failure. The study suggests reserving inotropes for patients who fail with vasodilators or are severely ill.
The HealthGrades Women's Health Outcomes in U.S. Hospitals study found a significant gap in women's cardiac and stroke outcomes between top-performing and poor-performing hospitals. The best-performing hospitals showed a 39% lower risk-adjusted mortality rate than the poorest-performing hospitals for cardiovascular disease.
A large European survey of 11,000 patients admitted with heart failure found that only two thirds had received a heart tracing, while four out of ten patients lacked an ACE inhibitor prescription. Multidisciplinary treatment can cut hospital admissions and deaths from heart failure.
Loyola researchers found higher levels of BNP in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy than constrictive pericarditis, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment. This discovery may improve patient outcomes for the millions of Americans affected by congestive heart failure.
Researchers found that people with secondary CHF (diagnosed while hospitalized for another reason) were more likely to die, incur higher medical costs, and spend more time in the hospital than those diagnosed with primary CHF. The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million patients admitted to 350 US hospitals in 2003.
A study examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in heart attack patients and found that 46% met the criteria. Patients with metabolic syndrome were older, more likely to be women, and had worse in-hospital outcomes, including increased risk of heart failure.
The ESC has released new chronic heart failure guidelines featuring practical recommendations for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of CHF. The guidelines highlight significant developments in CCF management, including the use of natriuretic peptides and device-based therapies.
A new study demonstrates that moderate thyroid hormone therapy normalizes cardiac cell shape and reduces stress on the heart's wall by nearly 40%. This change may lead to a novel therapeutic approach for heart failure. Further animal studies are needed before human testing.
A new general medical services contract in the UK may not adequately address the needs of patients with chronic heart failure. Despite efforts to improve management and diagnosis, concerns remain about the level of support provided by secondary care, particularly access to specialist advice and diagnostic resources.
A large European study found that only 60% of patients with heart failure were treated according to the ESC guidelines for the five most commonly used cardiac drugs. Adherence to treatment guidelines was independently correlated with patient outcomes, including hospitalization rates and time to readmission.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that genetic variations can determine how well heart failure patients tolerate beta-blockers. The findings suggest that personalized therapy based on genetic makeup could lead to safer and more effective treatments.
A new meta-analysis shows patients treated with nesiritide had an 80% increased risk of death compared to traditional drugs, highlighting the need for a randomized clinical trial. The study's authors argue that nesiritide is likely associated with important risks and suggest diuretics and vasodilators as safer alternatives.
A new study shows that the GeoForm mitral valve repair ring can reverse damage caused by congestive heart failure and improve symptoms in patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation. The ring has been approved for tightening leaky mitral valves, but also changes the shape of the left ventricle to help it contract better.
Researchers found that more than half of patients with heart failure have normal ejection fractions but still experience symptoms. The study suggests that conditions like anemia, obesity, and hypertension may play a role in causing heart failure.
A new blood test using NT-proBNP assay can accurately diagnose heart failure in emergency patients with shortness of breath. Combining the test results with clinical judgement provides the most accurate diagnosis.
A University of Maryland study found that more than 86% of dialysis patients with severe heart failure experienced improved cardiac function after a kidney transplant. The study, which followed 103 patients between 1998 and 2002, suggests that a timely transplant can significantly improve heart health for these patients.
Researchers are investigating early changes in the heart's function that may lead to congestive heart failure. Studying 15-18-year-olds on video games and measuring blood pressure, they hope to identify factors triggering diastolic dysfunction.
Regular cardiovascular follow-up visits with a specialist significantly improve outcomes for heart failure patients, reducing emergency room visits and mortality rates. Access to specialty care is particularly important for elderly and rural patients, who often face barriers to timely treatment.
Researchers discovered two distinct phases of electrical disturbances in the heart before mechanical abnormalities occur. These findings could lead to new medications that halt or reverse heart failure. The study was conducted by a student researcher and his mentor, with support from the Johns Hopkins University.
A study led by Dr. Wei Jiang found that even mildly depressed heart failure patients are at higher risk of death, with a 44% greater risk when BDI scores exceed 10. The researchers believe this highlights the importance of monitoring patients' psycho-social status in their care.
A new study using CRT-D devices found a strong correlation between changes in heart rate variability and mortality one year later. Patients with limited heart rate variability are at higher risk of suffering a heart attack, making the device's data an important tool for identifying high-risk patients.
Researchers found that beta-blockers significantly reduced risk of death for patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation and normal ejection fraction. The study also showed improved survival in patients with diastolic heart failure, a condition affecting nearly 50% of all CHF patients.
A recent study presented at ACC Scientific Sessions found that even minor decreases in serum sodium levels significantly impact mortality rates among heart failure patients. Improving sodium levels during hospitalization was associated with improved outcomes and reduced mortality rates.
Orqis Medical's Cancion CRS therapy has shown promising results in improving cardiac index and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in patients with severe heart failure. The therapy provides continuous aortic flow augmentation, enabling progressive hemodynamic improvement without taking over the heart's function.
A Penn study will compare two heart failure management technologies to reduce emergency room visits and improve patient outcomes. The study aims to assess the impact of health information technologies on clinical and financial outcomes for patients with symptomatic heart failure.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for heart failure soon after the onset of symptoms and throughout their disease course. The elevated risk is not attributed to traditional cardiovascular factors like diabetes or high cholesterol.
Researchers developed a simple risk model using three measures from laboratory blood tests and vital signs to gauge mortality risk in heart failure patients. The tool was tested on over 100,000 hospitalizations and found to accurately distinguish between low, intermediate, and high risk patients.
A minimally invasive procedure involving stem cells has shown improvement in heart function for patients with severe heart failure and no coronary blockages. All 15 patients who received stem cell injections experienced some degree of improvement, while the control group saw little change.
Researchers found significant differences in mitral valve tissue between healthy and congestive heart failure patients, affecting the valve's strength and hydration levels. These changes may contribute to recurring surgical outcomes for patients with mitral regurgitation.
A study confirms that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are more effective in preventing sudden cardiac death than medical therapies for heart failure patients without coronary artery disease. The ICDs have shown a relative 35 percent decrease in overall mortality among these patients.