Highlights
Heart Failure Trends
Heart failure has been dramatically increasing over the last several years and currently affects about 5 million Americans. Fortunately, survival has also improved dramatically.
Diagnosis
A simple blood test can help emergency room doctors diagnose heart failure in patients with shortness of breath (dyspnea). The test measures levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a substance that increases when heart failure symptoms worsen. Research in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that the test may also be useful for determining which patients with dyspnea are at greatest risk of dying from heart failure.
Beta-Blockers
A beta-blocker drug should be prescribed for most patients with left-sided heart failure when they are discharged from the hospital, according to research presented at the 2006 American College of Cardiology annual meeting. The study found that patients who received the beta-blocker carvedilol (Coreg) upon discharge had half the risk of dying within 3 to 6 months than patients who did not get the drug.
Drug Research
A new type of drug may help severely ill patients with heart failure. Research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions indicated that the experimental drug levosimendan plus standard therapy helped improve survival in hospitalized patients. The drug also reduced levels of BNP.
Surgery
Coronary bypass or angioplasty surgery may be important options for patients with a certain type of heart failure, suggests a 2006 study in Circulation. The study found that for patients with systolic heart failure, surgery cut the risk of death by 50% compared to standard medications.
Devices
An ultrafiltration device may work better than diuretic drugs in flushing fluid from patients hospitalized for heart failure. Blood is withdrawn through IV catheters and circulated through a filter, which removes extra water and salt. The treated blood is then returned to the patient.
