Prior studies have shown an association between heart failure and the presence of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). We investigated the relationship between regression of electrocardiographic (ECG) LVH by Cornell product with antihypertensive regimens and new-onset heart failure in subjects with hypertension and baseline LVH.
As clinical cardiologists, we face an ever-changing landscape with regard to the management and care of hypertensive patients.
The current guidelines for the management of heart failure in women are based upon data collected from studies predominantly enrolling men. However, because important differences exist in the sex-based pathogenesis of and prognosis for heart failure, the current risk-benefit analyses that guide the evidence-based management of heart failure in women demands prospective assessment.
Our increasing ability to intervene in high-risk patients—with lower risks and greater chances for successful outcomes—is felt across the broad spectrum of cardiovascular disease. This is particularly evident in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
As outlined by the authors, use of metformin is an appealing option because it is safe, produces few side effects, and is a cost-effective way to target some of the defects known to contribute to the metabolic defects associated with diabetes.
In the cohort study conducted by Ahmed and colleagues, the investigators assessed whether diabetes was associated with worse outcomes in heart failure regardless of the associated risk factors and comorbidities.
Atrial fibrillation affects over 2.2 million Americans and is estimated to affect up to 10 million by 2050.
We have seen a dramatic increase in use of ICDs along with expanded indications for these devices.
The benefits of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have been shown in randomized clinical trials. The factors that affect the risk–benefit ratio in a community setting, however, have not been evaluated.
This propensity-matched study, in which patients with and without diabetes were well balanced in all measured baseline characteristics, including traditional risk factors and comorbidities, found that diabetes was associated with increased mortality and hospitalization in ambulatory patients who had chronic, mild-to-moderate heart failure and were receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. These findings also highlight the sex- and age-related variations in the effect of diabetes in these patients.
