All articles tagged with #heartfailure
A large, non-randomized analysis of health records links melatonin use for 12 months or more with about a 90% higher five-year risk of congestive heart failure and a 3.5-fold higher hospitalization rate, though causality isn’t established and more research is needed before changing medical guidance.
A large international analysis of more than 130,000 adults with chronic insomnia found that long-term melatonin use (≥12 months) was associated with an 89–90% higher five-year risk of heart failure (4.6% vs 2.7%), about a 3.5-fold increase in heart-failure hospitalizations (19.0% vs 6.6%), and nearly double the risk of all-cause death (7.8% vs 4.3%). The results show association, not causation, and are based on medical records; they are preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed, prompting calls for prospective trials to clarify safety.
Oxford researchers have created an AI tool that analyzes fat around the heart on routine cardiac CT scans to predict five-year heart‑failure risk with about 86% accuracy; trained on 72,000 patients across nine NHS trusts and followed for a decade, the model outputs an absolute risk score to guide monitoring and treatment, with those at highest risk up to 20 times more likely to develop heart failure within five years.
A large, not-yet-peer-reviewed analysis suggests adults with insomnia who used melatonin for more than a year had an 89% higher risk of heart failure over five years and about double the risk of death from any cause versus non-users, with a secondary look showing 3.5× higher hospitalization for heart failure. The study is observational and based on prescription records, so it cannot establish causation and has notable limitations; it does not change current guidance. Melatonin is typically safe for short-term use, but longer-term safety data are limited and warrant prospective trials.
Ray J says doctors have prescribed eight medications to manage a serious heart condition, requires bed rest with lifestyle cautions, and a pacemaker or defibrillator may be needed after his follow-up; he cannot see his kids due to a protective order, hopes for a cure, and vows to emerge stronger.
Researchers at Nagoya University have found that the soybean protein β-conglycinin (β-CG) can slow heart failure progression in mice by promoting the growth of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing gut bacteria, which protect the heart. The study suggests that β-CG or its derivatives could be developed into natural therapeutic agents for heart failure, highlighting the potential of dietary interventions in managing heart health.
Recent studies published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reveal that anti-obesity drugs like tirzepatide and semaglutide offer significant cardiovascular benefits beyond weight loss. These medications improve cardiac structure and function in heart failure patients and enhance outcomes for those who have undergone cardiac bypass surgery. Additionally, lifestyle interventions for weight loss in Type 2 diabetes patients can alter cardiac biomarkers, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
A new study published by the American Heart Association suggests that living close to fast-food restaurants and bars may increase the risk of heart failure, with the food environment playing a significant role in heart health. The research found that those living near many ready-to-eat food outlets had a 16% higher risk of heart failure, particularly affecting individuals without a college degree and those with limited access to gyms. Disparities in food access and inequality impact people of color disproportionately, with research indicating higher incidences of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Introducing produce prescriptions and improving access to healthy foods and physical fitness facilities could help address these issues.
A report from the American Diabetes Association has highlighted heart failure as a significant complication of diabetes, affecting up to 22% of diabetic individuals. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients have a fourfold increased risk of heart failure compared to the general population. The condition, which impairs the heart muscle's ability to pump blood, can lead to a range of symptoms and potentially fatal outcomes. Elevated blood glucose and insulin levels, among other factors, contribute to the risk. Early detection through biomarkers and appropriate medication, including SGLT-2 inhibitors, can improve outcomes. Lifestyle changes and managing risk factors are also crucial in preventing and treating heart failure in people with diabetes.
Scientists have raised concerns about a new COVID-19 variant, JN.1, which may increase the risk of heart failure and pose a significant global healthcare risk. The emergence of this strain has coincided with a rise in COVID-19 cases in several countries, exacerbating pressures on healthcare systems already dealing with flu admissions and the impacts of industrial action. Health officials are monitoring the situation and have noted an increase in hospital bed capacity compared to the previous year, despite the challenges.