Heart Failure News and Research

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Heart failure (HF) is a condition in which a problem with the structure or function of the heart impairs its ability to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the body's needs. It should not be confused with cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction.

Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent sudden cardiac death in dialysis patients

Medical literature long has touted the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for the heart. But until now, researchers have not studied the potential benefit for people on hemodialysis, who are among the highest-risk patients for sudden cardiac death.

9 Feb 2013

Allopurinol may improve CV outcomes in kidney disease

The xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol appears to be beneficial in preventing cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality in patients with hypertensive nephropathy, show findings from a Japanese study.

8 Feb 2013

Four-step process delivers specific, reliable clinical rules

Dutch researchers have developed a four-step strategy for formulating clinical decision support systems, which they say could help reduce “alert fatigue.”

7 Feb 2013

Empowered patients cost health systems less

Patients who feel confident and engaged in decisions about their health and taking care of themselves incur lower healthcare costs as a result of their improved outcomes, suggests a study in Health Affairs.

6 Feb 2013

Thoratec fourth quarter revenues increase 17% to $128.5 million

Thoratec Corporation, a world leader in device-based mechanical circulatory support therapies to save, support and restore failing hearts, today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2012.

5 Feb 2013

Patients with MS more likely to develop MI and stroke, regardless of migration background

A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) run a high risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure, regardless of migration background. According to Dr Tahereh Moradi, principal investigator, the study is the first in the world to examine the risk of cardiovascular diseases in male and female MS patients with both non-immigrant and immigrant backgrounds.

5 Feb 2013

Glycemic control low priority in diabetes CVD prevention

Maintaining glycemic control does not reduce the likelihood for cardiovascular disease leading to hospitalization in people with Type 2 diabetes, report US researchers.

4 Feb 2013

Velomedix commences rapid therapeutic hypothermia system pilot study in heart attack

Velomedix, a venture-backed medical device company advancing the field of therapeutic hypothermia, today announced the enrollment of the first patient in its VELOCITY pilot study.

31 Jan 2013

Hypertensive pregnancies need rigorous follow up

Women who have hypertensive complications during pregnancy are at increased risk for developing chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, shows a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

31 Jan 2013

Dual renin angiotensin system blockade: too many cons

Any benefit of dual blockade of the renin angiotensin system is limited to its effects on surrogate endpoints, and outweighed by an excessive risk for adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal failure, argue hypertension experts.

31 Jan 2013

Left ventricular assist device improves quality of life in two brothers with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy

Tyler Wertz, 18, and his 16-year old brother Austin Tucker, fight, tease, love and support each other like most brothers do. Unlike most brothers, however, they share the same uncertain future—both have heart assist devices keeping them alive while they struggle with a debilitating disease. As young boys, Tyler and Austin were diagnosed with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, a disease that slowly weakens the arms and legs and damages the heart.

31 Jan 2013

Achilles tendon lengthening shows benefits for diabetic foot

Researchers report that the addition of Achilles tendon lengthening to procedures for managing diabetic forefoot and midfoot ulceration seems warranted.

30 Jan 2013

Abbott Vascular designates Montreal Heart Institute as a Center of Excellence

The Montreal Heart Institute has just been designated as a Center of Excellence by Abbott Vascular for the percutaneous treatment of mitral valve failure with their MitraClip system. The MHI has therefore become a reference centre for this procedure for all hospitals across Canada and many other hospitals in North America.

29 Jan 2013

AF implicated in sudden cardiac death

People who develop atrial fibrillation are at more than twice the usual risk for sudden cardiac death, reveal US study findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

28 Jan 2013

Hypertensive pregnancies need rigorous follow up

28 Jan 2013

Skin cells transformed into heart cells for research into cardiomyopathy

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28 Jan 2013

FDA approves Takeda’s NESINA, OSENI and KAZANO for treatment of type 2 diabetes

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. today announced that the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved NESINA (alogliptin) and the fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapies OSENI (alogliptin and pioglitazone) and KAZANO (alogliptin and metformin HCl) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults as adjuncts to diet and exercise.

28 Jan 2013

Research roundup: Does higher Rx drug spending lower Medicare costs?; Price transparency doesn't affect radiological decisions

Researchers aimed to find a relationship between geographic variation in Medicare Part D spending and medication-taking behavior among patients with diabetes or heart failure.

28 Jan 2013

Takeda receives FDA approval for Nesina, Kazano and Oseni to treat type 2 diabetes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved three new related products for use with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes: Nesina (alogliptin) tablets, Kazano (alogliptin and metformin hydrochloride) tablets, and Oseni (alogliptin and pioglitazone) tablets.

28 Jan 2013