3 Million Americans Have Hard-To-Spot Heart Failure. Risk Marker Stands Out
Summary
About 3 million Americans have a type of heart failure called HFpEF, where the heart’s left side becomes stiff and cannot pump blood well. A new study found that how well the right side of the heart works is a key sign of patient danger and could help doctors better treat this condition.Key Facts
- HFpEF stands for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, where the heart’s left ventricle thickens and stiffens.
- This condition is more common in women and is becoming more frequent.
- Over 80% of people with HFpEF also have pulmonary hypertension, which means high blood pressure in the lungs’ vessels.
- The study examined 48 patients with PH-HFpEF using detailed heart tests like MRIs and invasive procedures.
- Patients with poor right ventricle function had higher death rates and more hospital visits.
- Right ventricle function was a better predictor of outcomes than other usual measures.
- Researchers found signs that weakened cell energy parts (mitochondria) and changes in gene activity might cause HFpEF.
- The gene GATD3 showed different activity in patients with right ventricle problems, suggesting possible new treatment targets.
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