A new kidney function equation has been shown to be more accurate than the old equation in estimating kidney function, particularly for Black individuals. This new equation may reduce racial disparities in cardiovascular disease by making previously ineligible patients eligible for heart failure therapies.
A new diagnostic method assesses electrical and mechanical activity in the heart during atrial fibrillation, providing personalized assessment of atrial remodeling. This can help predict disease progression and guide treatment.
Researchers found that African ancestry patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have fewer clinically actionable variants in DCM genes compared to European ancestry patients. The study enrolled 1,198 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, revealing a racial imbalance in genetic trials for heart failure.
Researchers found that stable, long-term elevation in urinary albumin excretion is associated with a high risk of new-onset heart failure and mortality. Persistently high levels were linked to older patients and those with conditions like diabetes and previous heart attacks.
A new multi-center study found that having a genetic variant in the prealbumin gene alone is not sufficient for diagnosing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older Black patients. Researchers suggest that a blood test measuring prealbumin levels may be useful in identifying patients at risk of developing cardiac amyloidosis.
A study found that taking more daily steps improves symptoms and physical limitations for people with heart failure, with little association seen beyond 5,000 steps. Participants who increased their step counts experienced improved symptom control and physical function.
Octapharma's Balfaxar, a prothrombin complex concentrate, has received FDA approval for the urgent reversal of acquired coagulation factor deficiency induced by vitamin K antagonist therapy. The product demonstrated effective hemostasis in 94.6% of patients and was non-inferior to comparator Kcentra.
A study published in JACC: Heart Failure found that people with heart failure who increase their daily step count experience improvements in health status over a 12-week period. The study suggests that wearable device data, such as step counts, can be clinically significant and inform future clinical trials and care.
A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.
Researchers developed a new method to detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using combined cardiac diffusion tensor imaging and cardiac MRI perfusion scans. The study identified abnormal microstructure and microvascular disease in people with genetic mutations but no symptoms, allowing for early detection of the condition.
A study analyzing 89,000 individuals found that engaging in intense physical activity over a short period (weekend warrior pattern) lowers the risk of atrial fibrillation, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. This type of activity was associated with similar lower risks compared to evenly distributed physical activity.
A new study published in Circulation journal found that Black adults living in areas historically affected by discriminatory housing practices had a higher heart failure risk. The analysis included over 2.3 million adults from 2014-2019 and mapped historical redlining maps onto modern day maps of US zip codes.
In a groundbreaking procedure, Adriana Rodriguez received a dual-organ transplant, with her healthy liver transplanted into another patient to mitigate rejection risk. This innovative approach, known as HALT-D, demonstrates the potential for immunoprotection and has implications for highly sensitized patients requiring multiple organs.
Researchers analyzed data from the first genetically-modified pig heart transplant into a human patient and found that several overlapping factors contributed to heart failure, including poor pre-transplant health, immunocompromised state, and use of intravenous immunoglobulin. The study provides crucial insight into how these factors ...
Researchers found that when a patient's congestive heart failure is mentioned during the initial check-in process, emergency room physicians are less likely to test for pulmonary embolism, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis. This anchoring bias can delay crucial testing and diagnosis of deadly medical conditions.
Researchers developed a more accurate model of human cardiac fibrotic tissue, which could enable quicker drug testing and potentially lead to new therapies for heart failure. The model, built using an electrospinning technique, recreates the unique aspects of scarred cardiac tissue.
The new scientific statement highlights the importance of identifying the root cause of pediatric cardiomyopathy to develop effective treatment strategies. Genetic testing is recommended for all children with cardiomyopathy, which may lead to financial and emotional cost savings.
A new study found that most adults with Type 2 diabetes in Alabama Medicaid did not receive follow-up healthcare within the recommended two-week period after a heart failure hospitalization. African American and Hispanic adults were particularly affected, with worse follow-up care compared to white adults.
A groundbreaking study has shown that a devastating heart condition can spontaneously reverse in three men, who are now free of symptoms. The condition, transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, is progressive and previously considered irreversible.
A large-scale registry study found that older autistic adults have a significantly higher risk of injury, especially self-inflicted, and physical conditions such as type 2 diabetes and anaemia. Autistic individuals had a seven-fold risk of self-harm compared to non-autistic people.
A new study published in Hypertension found that oral estrogen hormone therapy may increase the risk of high blood pressure in women, while transdermal and vaginal formulations appeared to have a lower impact. The research involved over 112,000 women aged 45 years and older who took estrogen-only hormone therapy.
Researchers have developed a test to detect 'zombie' cells in donor blood, which may help increase the number of suitable hearts available for transplant. The test targets proteins associated with senescent cells, which can impact heart health.
Researchers identified five subtypes of heart failure using machine learning, including early onset and atrial fibrillation related. These subtypes have different mortality risks, with some patients at higher risk of dying within a year after diagnosis.
Women with short or long menstrual cycles are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attack or AFib. The study analyzed data from over 58,000 women and found that irregular menstrual cycle length was associated with higher risks of CVD, independent of other factors.
The PARAGLIDE-HF trial found that sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduces plasma NT-proBNP levels compared to valsartan alone in patients with an ejection fraction above 40%. The study also showed a larger treatment effect in those with EF ≤60%, suggesting potential benefits for this population.
The new guideline provides guidance on the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy and conduction system pacing in patients with indications for pacemakers or heart failure. The authors emphasize the importance of shared decision-making between providers and patients, and highlight areas for future research.
The MONITOR-HF trial found that remote pulmonary artery pressure monitoring significantly improved quality of life by 7.1 points at 12 months, with a 44% reduction in heart failure hospitalizations or urgent visits during follow-up. The procedure was safe and reliable, with a high level of adherence to guideline-directed medical therapy.
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that vigorous exercise is safe for people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare inherited disorder affecting the heart muscle. The research, published in JAMA Cardiology, suggests that restrictions on exercise may be unnecessary for individuals with HCM.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found young adult cancer survivors (18-39 years old) are 2.6 times more likely to develop heart failure when treated with anthracyclines. The incidence is highest among leukemia and other specific cancer types.
The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure acute pressure changes inside the heart, discovering that pressure increases when patients receive a specific medication called adenosine. This technology can help doctors better diagnose and monitor patients with heart disease and heart failure.
A new genetic mutation has been identified as the cause of infantile dilated cardiomyopathy, a common cause of heart failure in children. The mutation disrupts centrosome structure, leading to disorganized muscle cells and poor heart function.
Dr. Miaomiao Zhang's research aims to automate late mechanical activation detection from cardiac magnetic resonance images using machine learning and AI techniques. This could lead to more accurate placement of CRT electrodes and improved patient outcomes.
A retrospective cohort study of U.S. veterans found that adding a GLP1 receptor agonist to diabetes treatment reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and heart failure hospitalization by about 20% compared to DPP4 inhibitors. The study's findings will aid clinicians in choosing a diabetes drug regimen for older patients.
Researchers found that solriamfetol, armodafinil–modafinil, and pitolisant reduce excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea already using conventional therapy. However, patients may be more likely to discontinue the use of these medications due to adverse events including headache, anxiety, and insomnia.
Researchers successfully performed the first in-utero surgery to repair a potentially deadly developmental condition called vein of Galen malformation. The procedure involved treating an aggressive vascular malformation before birth, resulting in improved cardiac output and no signs of negative effects on the brain after birth.
Researchers have observed beta-arrestin molecules directly controlling receptor-mediated signals in living cells using advanced microscopy. The study reveals a new mechanism of how these proteins interact with receptors on the plasma membrane, enabling efficient control of signal flow and desensitization.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events and death in patients with NAFLD. The study included 9,374 adult patients with NAFLD and obesity, who underwent either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with an increase in hospital procedures for heart failure patients, including stress tests and prothrombin time tests. This suggests that high PM2.5 exposure may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and promp...
A large study found no difference in cardiovascular outcomes between patients taking beta blockers and those who didn't, after a year of hospital discharge. The researchers suggest reevaluating the value of long-term beta blocker therapy in low-risk heart attack patients with normal functioning hearts.
The program guide for TVT 2023 showcases over 200 world-renowned faculty experts, with a focus on clinical decision-making and strategies for treating valvular heart disease. The summit highlights the latest advances in transcatheter valve therapy and nonsurgical procedures.
A study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that younger women are nearly twice as likely to be rehospitalized after a heart attack as men. The disparity is largely due to higher rates of risk factors such as obesity and depression among women, which contribute to more adverse outcomes.
A study found that young women are more likely to experience adverse outcomes and rehospitalization after a heart attack, with non-cardiac hospitalizations showing the most significant disparity. Researchers highlight the need for public awareness and sex-specific post-heart attack care.
Researchers at UCL have identified proteins in the blood associated with an increased risk of developing heart diseases, including heart failure. The findings could lead to more refined cancer treatments that minimize cardiotoxicity and improve survival rates.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique using laser speckle imaging to visualize microvasculature in donor hearts and detect abnormal blood flow. The method enables precise visualization of blood circulation, potentially identifying hearts suitable for transplantation.
A new study found that quality of heart failure care is equitable for 11 of 14 evidence-based clinical care measures, with no disparities in care between Black and white patients. However, the study highlights areas for improvement, including gaps in care quality and social determinants of health.
A new meta-analysis finds that Black patients are 71% more likely to experience heart damage following chemotherapy treatment. The study highlights the need for further research into underlying factors contributing to these disparities to reduce cardiovascular risk associated with chemotherapy.
A novel treatment approach called balloon pulmonary angioplasty has been shown to be effective in treating chronic blood clots in lung arteries. The procedure improves exercise capacity and quality of life, with some patients able to stop medications altogether. Refinements in technique have improved the procedure's safety and efficacy.
Researchers at TUM have developed a method to create mini-hearts in Petri dishes using stem cells. The resulting organoids mimic the earliest stages of human heart development and can be used to investigate congenital heart defects, potentially leading to new treatment methods.
A randomized clinical trial found that a video-based decision support tool increased patient knowledge, but not assent, to ICD implantation among Black patients. The study also highlighted the complexity of aversion to cardiac procedures in Black communities, emphasizing the need for further research on social determinants of health.
A new study published in The European Heart Journal – Digital Health found that smart watch data can predict a higher risk of developing heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Researchers used machine learning to analyze ECG recordings from wearable devices and identified extra beats as indicators of increased cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at Temple University and Johns Hopkins University found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) loss underlies post-myocardial infarction heart failure. BDNF levels can be replenished therapeutically, abolishing damage to heart tissue and enabling recovery.
Researchers from the Smidt Heart Institute found that individuals with spherical hearts are 31% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and 24% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy. The study identified four genes associated with cardiomyopathy and a greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
A novel drug, AF-130, has been shown to improve heart function and prevent sleep apnoea in heart failure patients. This breakthrough could lead to improved life expectancy and wellness for nearly 200,000 people in New Zealand affected by heart disease.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal shows that using waist-to-height ratio instead of BMI provides a clearer picture of patient outcomes in heart failure. The researchers found that greater adiposity is associated with worse outcomes, including high rates of hospitalization and reduced health-related quality of life.
Supervised exercise training is safe and may improve exercise capacity and quality of life for people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Exercise therapy has been shown to be more effective in improving quality of life compared to medications for this condition.
A clinical study published in the European Heart Journal found that ghrelin increases the heart's pump capacity in patients with heart failure, improving cardiac output by 28% after two hours of treatment. The treatment also showed a 10% higher pump capacity at follow-up.
A University of Ottawa study found that almost two-thirds of Canadians with stroke experience disturbed sleep, and those affected are up to 7 times more likely to report multiple sleep problems. The study highlights the need for better awareness and guidance on managing sleep disorders in stroke patients.
Researchers at University of Technology Sydney have successfully created personalized 'bio-inks' from patients' own stem cells, which are then used to 3D-print cardiac tissues to repair areas of dead tissue. This technology shows promise in treating heart failure and may reduce the need for expensive and traumatic heart transplants.
Researchers at Brigham and Boston Medical Center found associations between kidney damage and increased risk of heart disease and death. The study analyzed kidney tissue from 597 adults with chronic kidney disease, linking specific lesions to cardiovascular events.
A virtual care team consisting of physicians and pharmacists improved the adoption of life-saving therapies in patients with heart failure, leading to increased use of evidence-based treatments and better patient outcomes. The strategy was safe and effective, with comparable length of stay and safety events between the groups.