![]() ; ; et al in Journal of cardiac failure (2013), 19(8), 592-9 The complexity of standard medical treatment for heart failure is growing, and such therapy typically involves 5 or more different medications. Given these pressures, there is increasing interest in ... [more ▼] The complexity of standard medical treatment for heart failure is growing, and such therapy typically involves 5 or more different medications. Given these pressures, there is increasing interest in harnessing cardiovascular biomarkers for clinical application to more effectively guide diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapy. It may be possible to realize an era of personalized medicine for heart failure treatment in which therapy is optimized and costs are controlled. The direct mechanistic coupling of biologic processes and therapies achieved in cancer treatment remains elusive in heart failure. Recent clinical trials and meta-analyses of biomarkers in heart failure have produced conflicting evidence. In this article, which comprises a summary of discussions from the Global Cardiovascular Clinical Trialists Forum held in Paris, France, we offer a brief overview of the background and rationale for biomarker testing in heart failure, describe opportunities and challenges from a regulatory perspective, and summarize current positions from government agencies in the United States and European Union. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 217 (0 UL)![]() ; ; et al in Journal of cardiac failure (2010), 16(9), 761-8 BACKGROUND: A link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart failure (HF) has been well-recognized for more than a century. HF is also closely linked to abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) and insulin ... [more ▼] BACKGROUND: A link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart failure (HF) has been well-recognized for more than a century. HF is also closely linked to abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) and insulin resistance (IR) in patients without DM and, similarly, these conditions commonly coexist. In epidemiological studies, each condition appears to predict the other. The prevalence of AGR/IR in HF patients without DM is significantly underrecognized and, as yet, the optimal method for screening for these abnormalities in the outpatient setting is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: The purpose of this review is to overview the prevalence and prognostic impact of AGR and IR in HF patients without DM and discuss potential pathophysiological pathways that link these conditions with HF. The severity of glucose intolerance in patients with HF correlates with functional and clinical severity of HF and is an independent predictor of an adverse outcome. It is thought that changes in cardiac metabolism, including a switch from glucose metabolism toward fatty acid metabolism, may in part contribute to the pathophysiological processes associated with HF patients with AGR/IR. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss how pharmacological targeting of metabolic pathways in the myocardium of these patients with HF may represent novel therapeutic strategies in these at-risk patients. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 131 (0 UL)![]() ; ; Neyses, Ludwig ![]() in Journal of cardiac failure (2010), 16(4), 340-7 BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common disorders that frequently occur together and are associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. This thromboembolic risk may ... [more ▼] BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common disorders that frequently occur together and are associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. This thromboembolic risk may be reduced by anticoagulation with warfarin but not without introducing new hemorrhagic risks. METHODS AND RESULTS: Current guidelines recommend the use of anticoagulation in patients with HF and chronic AF and paroxysmal AF (PAF) that is symptomatic or frequent and prolonged enough to be detected by electrocardiogram. However, the evidence supporting these recommendations is weak and does not take account of research indicating that the prothrombotic risk is higher in more severe HF. CONCLUSIONS: An area not addressed by current guidelines is anticoagulation in patients with HF and short, asymptomatic episodes of AF. These issues need to be resolved with further studies using implanted devices to detect such asymptomatic PAF. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 343 (0 UL) |
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