Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
Symbiosis has developed an adjustable TMVR system, ValSync, which can adapt to complex anatomies. The company aims to overcome current limitations and improve patient eligibility, safety, and procedure time with its three-step process.
A study by Saint Louis University researchers found that only one in eight patients with heart failure in the US receive palliative care consultations. Black patients were 15% less likely to receive palliative care compared to white counterparts, highlighting significant racial disparities.
New research at Lund University reveals that heart transplant patients often suffer from long-term pain and symptom distress after the procedure. However, with simple support in symptom management, patients can regain control over their life and feel more competent, active, and confident. The study found that a person-centred approach,...
Researchers investigated the molecular mechanism of Fuzi's cardioprotective effects on heart failure. Fuzi water decoction and alkaloids were found to regulate apoptosis, proliferation, and anti-fibrosis in heart failure models, with ABC transporters potentially being a key pathway for their action.
The Impella ECP pivotal study demonstrated low complication rates and successful closure with a 92% success rate. The 9Fr size of the device provides circulatory support and left ventricular unloading for high-risk PCI procedures.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals a decline in heart failure mortality in Sweden over the last 20 years. Despite improvements, the prognosis for heart failure patients remains concerning, with 25% of those diagnosed in 2022 dying within a year.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the protein GPNMB as a critical regulator in the heart's healing process after a heart attack. GPNMB promotes heart repair by binding to receptor GPR39, triggering a cascade of signals that limit scarring and improve cardiac function.
Scientists at UCLA have engineered an experimental therapy that shows promise in enhancing heart repair following a heart attack, preventing the onset of heart failure. The new single-dose therapy targets the protein ENPP1, which is responsible for increasing inflammation and scar tissue formation.
A new study suggests that immunotherapy may be an effective treatment strategy for heart failure by blocking scar tissue formation and improving heart function. Researchers identified a type of fibroblast cell responsible for scar tissue and used a monoclonal antibody to reduce its formation, showing promising results in mouse models.
Gladstone researchers have identified a complex molecular connection between immune cells and fibroblasts that contributes to fibrosis in the heart, which may lead to new treatments for heart disease and other fibrotic conditions.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation recognizes 29 leading institutions for their contributions to groundbreaking research advancing interventional cardiovascular medicine. The 2024 SET-10 rankings celebrate institutions making significant impacts across various categories, including basic science and clinical research.
Researchers at Shinshu University developed a simple risk score model to predict successful weaning from mechanical circulatory support. The scoring method uses easily measurable health indicators, such as blood pressure and cardiac output, to categorize patients into five groups with varying success rates.
Researchers have identified a protein called PERM1 that regulates both energy and heart muscle contraction, offering a new therapeutic approach to systolic heart failure. By addressing the underlying problem of weakened heart muscle, PERM1 may help restore cardiac function and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have found that women are more likely to die from postoperative complications after high-risk cardiovascular surgery, with a failure to rescue rate of 10.7% compared to 8.6% for men. The quality of hospital where the procedure was performed did not affect this disparity.
Biomedical engineer Jeff Saucerman has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to study low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 and its impact on heart failure and treatment outcomes after a heart attack.
Cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and atrial fibrillation are linked to cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and identifying vascular risk factors early may help preserve brain function and reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study identifies phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate as a key regulator of the SK2 channel, which plays a critical role in cardiac ion channels and heart rhythm. The research provides critical translational insights into possible mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure.
A nationwide Swedish study found that full vaccination significantly reduced the risk of severe cardiovascular outcomes linked to COVID-19, such as heart attack and stroke. However, temporary increases in cardiovascular risk were observed after individual doses, particularly among elderly and males.
A clinical trial found that mavacamten, a cardiac myosin inhibitor, reduced biomarkers of cardiac wall stress and injury in patients with heart failure. The treatment showed no significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction.
Researchers found that heart transplant recipients from most deprived areas had a higher risk of dying within five years and experiencing organ failure compared to those from less deprived areas. Treatment at high-quality hospitals did not translate into better outcomes.
A Duke-NUS study proposes a new treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) by blocking glucagon's activity, which raises blood sugar levels. This breakthrough could provide quicker relief to millions of heart patients.
Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.
Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences are studying the molecular mechanisms of coagulation factor XII as a contributor to heart failure with reduced ejection. The goal is to develop better preventive and treatment options for this irreversible condition, which affects millions of Americans.
A significant proportion of American adults suffer from absolute and functional iron deficiency, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. The study highlights the importance of screening strategies for iron deficiency, as it is a common issue that may be overlooked or undertreated.
Researchers identified protein kinase N as a key regulator of heart fibrosis, which threatens heart function. Deleting this enzyme reduced cardiac dysfunction, suggesting anti-PKN treatments may protect against heart failure.
The RESILIENCE clinical trial explores the effectiveness of remote ischemic conditioning to prevent cardiotoxicity in lymphoma patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The trial aims to reduce heart failure prevalence and improve quality of life for cancer survivors.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates the benefits of catheter-based mitral valve repair for patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. The procedure showed a significant reduction in recurrent hospitalisations and improved quality of life after 12 months.
A new study estimates nearly 10.5 million U.S. adults have A-Fib, a three-fold increase from previous estimates. Early detection and treatment can reduce its adverse outcomes.
Research explores relationship between cardiac metabolism dysfunction and heart failure in the elderly, revealing potential therapeutic targets for improved cardiac outcomes. The study highlights the critical role of Pdk4 and MIF in cardiac metabolism, suggesting innovative treatments to manage interconnected cardiovascular conditions.
A study at the European Society of Cardiology Congress found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope helped doctors identify twice as many cases of pregnancy-related heart failure compared to a control group. The tool was 12 times more likely to flag heart pump weakness, leading to better diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment.
The FINEARTS-HF trial demonstrates finerenone's benefits in reducing worsening heart failure events and mortality in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Finerenone significantly reduces total worsening HF events compared to placebo, but shows non-significant reductions in cardiovascular death.
A University of Dundee study has used machine learning to analyze health records of heart failure patients and identify alternative treatment plans that could improve their welfare. The pilot project aims to tailor treatment for each patient, ensuring they receive optimized care with the potential to improve quality of life.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found finerenone improved outcomes in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. The drug also showed benefits regardless of the ejection fraction and even in patients on other approved therapies.
A randomized controlled trial found that transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) significantly reduced cardiovascular death and hospitalizations for heart failure, compared to medical therapy alone. The study also showed improved health status in patients with moderate to severe functional mitral regurgitation.
Sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduced hospitalization for any reason, particularly in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction below normal. Lower rates of cardiac and pulmonary hospitalizations were also observed in this patient population.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified a novel mechanism of cardiac inflammation that may prevent heart failure after a heart attack. The borderzone, surrounding the infarcted area, is found to be a key region for this inflammation, with heart muscle cells playing a dominant role in initiating it.
A new study found that semaglutide significantly reduces major adverse cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes, among overweight individuals with cardiovascular disease. The medication also shows similar benefits for people with pre-existing heart failure, regardless of type or severity.
A new risk prediction scale specifically for American Indian adults found elevated heart failure rates compared to other population groups. The analysis identified Type 2 diabetes status, kidney damage, and high blood pressure as major modifiable determinants of developing heart failure over 5-10 years.
Researchers have discovered a new site on beta-2 adrenergic receptors that allows healthy signals to pass through, minimizing harmful side effects of beta-blocker medication. The gut microbial pathway is associated with cardiovascular disease risks and can be independently targeted.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that hearts stored in a 'heart-in-a-box' method experienced lower rates of heart failure and severe organ failure after transplantation. This breakthrough method uses hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion to keep the heart oxygenated and functioning better.
A new biosensor prototype can measure biomarkers for heart failure in saliva, promising a more accessible and affordable way to screen for the condition. The device, which resembles a COVID-19 test, could enable people with limited access to medical facilities to check on their health regularly.
A new study found that job strain and effort-reward imbalance at work increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. The research suggests that recognizing and addressing psychosocial stressors at work can foster healthy environments.
A new heart MRI technique accurately estimates pressures inside the heart to predict heart failure risk in a general population. Key risk factors identified include age over 70, high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol consumption, and male gender.
The American College of Cardiology has released a new guidance on managing patients hospitalized for heart failure, recommending tailored therapy based on clinical trajectory. The updated Expert Consensus Decision Pathway aims to improve disease management and reduce mortality.
New research published in The FASEB Journal shows that blocking CTLA-4 activates Th17 cells, increasing inflammation and damaging the heart. Inhibiting this activation reverses anti-CTLA-4-mediated heart damage.
A UofL cardiologist is leading a Phase II clinical trial of a new stem cell therapy for heart failure, the first in the US to use intravenous delivery. The trial aims to determine whether one or multiple doses of mesenchymal stem cells improve health and quality of life for patients.
Researchers analyzed data from 63,700 patients in five clinical trials to understand the impact of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) on heart disease. They found that patients with CHIP had a 30% higher risk of initial heart attacks but not recurrent events.
Researchers discovered ultrastructural abnormalities in obese patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which may be related to the impact of obesity on muscle structure. The study suggests that reducing obesity and using certain medications could help improve HFpEF outcomes.
A recent study published in ESC Heart Failure found that kidney dysfunction can be used as a criterion to stratify patients requiring implantable defibrillators. The research identified two key independent predictors for the risk of sudden cardiac death: left ventricular ejection fraction and estimated glomerular filtration rate.
A new scoring system has been developed to diagnose Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), enabling more effective identification of patients. The HFpEF-ABA score model uses age, BMI, and atrial fibrillation to estimate the probability of HFpEF in individual patients.
Researchers found that increasing ketone supply to the hearts of mice with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) led to improved energy production and pumping ability. This finding suggests a potential new treatment approach for HFpEF, which is a common type of heart failure with no current evidence-based treatment.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified the immune cells driving cardiac inflammation in cancer patients taking doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. Blocking these cells could potentially prevent cardiac damage and make treatment safer for patients.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that off-the-shelf wearable trackers can monitor the response to two treatments for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The devices provided clinically useful information similar to in-person hospital assessments, with a neural network helping to analyze missing data.
A new study published in Hypertension journal suggests that both 30-year and 10-year risk predictions should be considered when making high blood pressure treatment decisions. The researchers compared two risk prediction tools and found that long-term, 30-year risk may be more important than short-term, 10-year risk for informing medic...
Scientists have identified a critical genetic mechanism driving cardiac fibrosis and found a novel target for its reversal. The discovery sheds light on the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) and ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) in promoting excessive tissue scarring, providing hope for new heart failure treatments.
Researchers found that combining sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease progression by 11% and 33%, respectively. The study suggests using this combination to further improve outcomes in patients with typ...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the benefits of palliative care in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease. Palliative care complements standard cardiovascular care by reducing physical symptoms, emotional distress, and assisting patients in making decision...
A recent review of studies on heart failure patients suggests that reducing salt intake has no clinical benefits and may even be counterproductive. Moderate to strict salt restriction was linked with improved quality of life but not mortality or hospitalization rates among patients with heart failure.
The WVU researchers developed a non-invasive, at-home sleep apnea detection device that uses artificial intelligence technology to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Early detection can help prevent worsening of underlying comorbid conditions and reduce healthcare costs, according to Dr. Sunil Sharma.
Researchers found that hospitals that implemented standardized protocols from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association saw significant reductions in stroke treatment times. The protocols, which include specific limits on time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, helped medical teams respond more quickly to ...