Heart Failure and Cancer: HFSA Statement Highlights Shared Risks and Multidisciplinary Care Needs

A recent statement from the Heart Failure Society of America highlights the link between heart failure (HF) and cancer, with shared mechanisms driving both conditions. Published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure, it emphasizes the need for coordinated care between cardiology and oncology, standardized cardiac imaging protocols, and efforts to address treatment disparities.
Two-step Screening Could Prevent Heart Failure in Diabetes

According to a study presented on cardiometabolic papers that were previously published in Circulation, assessment that used the WATCH-DM score, followed by N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide testing, identified approximately 90% of patients with diabetes who would benefit from an SGLT2 inhibitor to prevent heart failure.
Study Links PM2.5 Exposure to Increased Risks in Patients With Heart Failure

A study found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to increased adverse events in Medicare beneficiaries with preexisting heart failure (HF).
Study Shows 38% Drop in Pediatric Heart Transplant Wait-List Mortality

Mortality rates for children awaiting heart transplants have significantly decreased over the past two decades, with a 38% reduction in wait-list mortality from 1999 to 2023.
Heart Failure and Key Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

There has been a significant shift in the understanding of heart failure caused by transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA). Once thought to be a rare condition, the adoption of nuclear imaging for diagnosis has revealed that ATTR-CA is more common in clinical practice than previously believed. This has been a crucial development as it allows for earlier identification and intervention.
New Insights and Treatments Transform Outlook for Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

There has been a significant shift in the understanding of heart failure caused by transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA). Once thought to be a rare condition, the adoption of nuclear imaging for diagnosis has revealed that ATTR-CA is more common in clinical practice than previously believed. This has been a crucial development as it allows for earlier identification and intervention.
Study Reveals High Kidney Complication Risks for Older Adults After Heart Failure Hospitalization

A cohort study utilized data from the Get With the Guidelines Heart Failure registry, analyzing patient outcomes through Medicare claims data and employing Cox proportional hazards regression models to evaluate the relationship between discharge estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and subsequent kidney health outcomes.
Treatment For Reduced Ejection Fraction

Researchers compared the effectiveness of sacubitril/valsartan with valsartan alone in patients with severe heart failure and a recent history of New York Heart Association class IV symptoms. The double-blind randomized clinical trial Involved 335 patients with severe heart failure. Patients were randomized to either Sacubitril/valsartan (target dose of 200 mg twice daily) or Valsartan alone (target dose of 160 mg twice daily). Results showed no improvement in the number of days alive, out of hospital, and free from heart failure events with sacubitril/valsartan compared to valsartan. Researchers concluded that in patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there was no significant difference in the effect of sacubitril/valsartan and valsartan alone on NT-proBNP levels.
Heart Failure Symposium: State-of-the-Art Updates

The 11th Annual UCLA Heart Failure Symposium 2023 will discuss general heart failure treatment options, including short- and long-term mechanical circulatory support therapy, heart transplantation, pulmonary hypertension management, high-risk percutaneous and structural interventions, and complex congenital heart disease management. Also, it will emphasize the need for developing networks linking academic centers with community physicians to manage these patients through the evolution of their disease pre- and post-advanced cardiac intervention. Last, it will address heart failure therapies in cardio-oncology, amyloidosis and new medication updates, as well as patient and care-provider’s specific needs and perspectives.
Find Support for Women with Heart Disease

WomenHeart provides support services to aid female heart disease survivors in leading healthier lives. Their programs foster a unique bond where women share their experiences and stories. WomenHeart’s services include both local support networks, managed by trained patient volunteers and operating more than 100 monthly support groups nationwide, and virtual support through HeartSisters Online. They also run the SisterMatch program for one-on-one support and an online patient forum via Inspire.
Participants can find a support network in their community at https://www.womenheart.org/find-support/ or by emailing heartsistersonline@womenheart.org.