Advancements in Heart Failure Research

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 5203

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91, Xueshi Road, North District, Taichung City 404328, Taiwan
Interests: biochemistry; signal transduction; molecular cardiology; natural products; cardiovascular pharmacology

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Guest Editor
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
Interests: atherosclerosis; hypertension; molecular biology in cardiovascular systems
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heart failure persists as a significant global health challenge despite strides in treatment and this Special Issue aims to comprehensively explore recent advancements in heart failure research, from its roots to innovative interventions. understanding the intricate mechanisms driving heart failure is essential to effective management and articles submitted to this Special Issue will delve into pathophysiological processes such as myocardial remodeling, neurohormonal activation, and genetic predispositions. Moreover, this Special Issue seeks to navigate emerging diagnostic modalities such as novel biomarkers, advanced imaging techniques, and artificial intelligence applications, which may prove crucial for timely and accurate diagnosis.

Highlighting the latest therapeutic strategies, from pharmacological interventions to device-based therapies and surgical procedures, this Special Issue underscores precision-medicine approaches, innovative drug therapies, and the role of cardiac devices such as ventricular assist devices and cardiac transplantation. Managing heart failure alongside comorbidities poses unique challenges, addressed in discussions on strategies to tackle common issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Fostering patient-centered care remains paramount, with a focus on holistic approaches, remote monitoring technologies, and strategies promoting adherence to self-care and treatment.

Lastly, this Special Issue anticipates future trends, examining promising avenues like regenerative medicine and the integration of digital health technologies in personalized care. By bringing together cutting-edge research and insights from leading experts in the field, this Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of heart failure and pave the way toward improved management strategies and patient outcomes.

We invite researchers and clinicians to contribute original research articles, reviews, and perspectives to this Special Issue, with the goal of fostering collaboration and driving innovation in the field of heart failure research.

Prof. Dr. Tzu-Hurng Cheng
Prof. Dr. Ju-Chi Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • cardiac remodeling
  • biomarkers
  • precision medicine
  • patient-centered care
  • therapeutic innovations

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 267 KiB  
Article
Lipid Accumulation Product and Cardiometabolic Index as Effective Tools for the Identification of Athletes at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome
by Giuseppe Di Gioia, Armando Ferrera, Mihail Celeski, Raffaella Mistrulli, Erika Lemme, Federica Mango, Maria Rosaria Squeo and Antonio Pelliccia
Life 2024, 14(11), 1452; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111452 - 8 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a growing global public health concern that is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events, even in athletes. The lipid accumulation product (LAP) index and cardiometabolic index (CMI) have been shown to be efficient markers of MS in [...] Read more.
Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a growing global public health concern that is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events, even in athletes. The lipid accumulation product (LAP) index and cardiometabolic index (CMI) have been shown to be efficient markers of MS in the general population; its applicability in athletes has not been discussed yet. We aimed to assess the role of LAP and CMI in predicting MS in athletes. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 793 Olympic athletes practicing different sporting disciplines (power, skill, endurance, and mixed), classified arbitrarily into no risk (NR), low risk (LR), high risk (HR), or MS if they had 0, 1, 2, or 3 criteria for MS, respectively. Evaluations included a calculation of the LAP index, CMI, anthropometric measurements, and clinical and laboratorial variables. Results: Among our population, only 0.8% reached the criteria for MS, 9.1% were at HR for MS, 37.8% were defined as LR, and 52.3% had NR. Significant differences in anthropometric parameters and the principal components of MS criteria (blood pressure, lipidic profile, glycemia) were reported predominantly in HR athletes and those with MS (p < 0.0001). LAP and CMI presented linearly increasing values from individuals with NR to those with MS (p < 0.0001). In addition, HR and MS athletes were classified as “likely MS” (9.8%) and LR and NR athletes as “unlikely MS” (90.2%). After adjusting for potential confounders, LAP ≥ 34.66 and CMI ≥ 0.776 emerged as independent predictors for MS in the overall cohort (Hazar Ratio (HR) 7.22 [3.75–13.89], p < 0.0001, and HR 5.37 [2.96–9.73], p < 0.0001, respectively). The ROC curve revealed that these cut-offs in the general population predict MS with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 and 0.79, respectively, for LAP and CMI. However, gender-related cut-offs seem to be more precise in predicting MS (LAP ≥ 38.79 for male, LAP ≥ 14.16 for female, and CMI ≥ 0.881 for male and ≥0.965 for female). Conclusion: The ROC curve analyses of LAP and CMI showed good diagnostic accuracy in predicting MS among athletes, despite the low prevalence of MS in our sample. Thus, these indexes may be used to promote screening for primary prevention and early detection of athletes at risk for MS to establish an early prevention strategy. Larger prospective studies are necessary to validate their benefit in the general population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Heart Failure Research)
10 pages, 1324 KiB  
Article
Lymphocyte to White Blood Cell Count Ratio an Independent Risk Factor for Heart Failure
by Lior Charach, Avishay Spitzer, Lior Zusmanovitch and Gideon Charach
Life 2024, 14(10), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101266 - 5 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Objective: Heart failure affects 1–2% of the population in developed countries. Hemogram biomarkers are cheap, rapid, readily accessible and are known to have prognostic benefit in cardiovascular, infectious and oncologic diseases. Methods: The aim of the current study is to evaluate lymphocyte-to-white-blood-cell ratio [...] Read more.
Objective: Heart failure affects 1–2% of the population in developed countries. Hemogram biomarkers are cheap, rapid, readily accessible and are known to have prognostic benefit in cardiovascular, infectious and oncologic diseases. Methods: The aim of the current study is to evaluate lymphocyte-to-white-blood-cell ratio (LWR) as a prognostic predictor in patients with heart failure. Patients with heart failure were recruited between January 2000 and July 2001. Exclusion criteria included metastatic malignancy, exposure to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or medications known to affect complete blood count. Results: 338 patients were enrolled, 33 were excluded. Mean age was 70.1 ± 10.8, 225 patients were male (73%) and 80 were female (27%). All patients were divided into three groups according to LWR. Group 1 < 0.2, group 2—0.2 < LWR < 0.35 and group 3 > 0.35. Patients with LWR ratio < 0.2 had the poorest survival while patients in the highest LWR (ratio > 0.35) had the best long-term survival. Conclusions: Patients with congestive heart failure and LWR < 0.2 showed significant increased mortality. LWR was shown as independent prognostic predictor for HF patients compared to other main outcome parameters, including CRP, NYHA, EF and LDL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Heart Failure Research)
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Review

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12 pages, 598 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Diet on Lipoprotein(a) Levels
by Michał Stojko, Aleksandra Spychał, Kamil Nikel, Rafał Kołodziej and Jolanta Zalejska-Fiolka
Life 2024, 14(11), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111403 - 31 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; however, the impact of fat-based diets on its levels remains unclear. Objective: This study aims to assess and analyze current evidence on the impact of various types of fat-based diets [...] Read more.
Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; however, the impact of fat-based diets on its levels remains unclear. Objective: This study aims to assess and analyze current evidence on the impact of various types of fat-based diets on Lp(a) levels. Material and Methods: A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted on 9 July 2024, focusing on clinical and randomized trials published since 2000. Out of 697 identified studies, 33 met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Results: The findings suggest that modifications in fat-based diets, particularly concerning the type and amount of consumed fats and fatty acids, can significantly influence plasma Lp(a) levels. Diets rich in unsaturated fats, including polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, were associated with more favorable effects in lowering Lp(a) levels. In contrast, diets high in saturated fats were linked to elevated Lp(a) levels. However, these conclusions were not consistent across all studies considered. Conclusions: This work highlights the importance of a personalized dietary approach, considering both genetic predispositions and dietary habits. While diet alone may not drastically alter Lp(a) levels due to their strong genetic determination, a comprehensive strategy involving a healthy diet rich in unsaturated fats, regular physical activity, and effective weight management is recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms through which different fats affect Lp(a) and to develop targeted dietary recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Heart Failure Research)
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11 pages, 216 KiB  
Review
Unveiling the Potential: Remote Monitoring and Telemedicine in Shaping the Future of Heart Failure Management
by Ju-Chi Liu, Chun-Yao Cheng, Tzu-Hurng Cheng, Chen-Ning Liu, Jin-Jer Chen and Wen-Rui Hao
Life 2024, 14(8), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080936 - 25 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) remains a significant burden on global healthcare systems, necessitating innovative approaches for its management. This manuscript critically evaluates the role of remote monitoring and telemedicine in revolutionizing HF care delivery. Drawing upon a synthesis of current literature and clinical practices, [...] Read more.
Heart failure (HF) remains a significant burden on global healthcare systems, necessitating innovative approaches for its management. This manuscript critically evaluates the role of remote monitoring and telemedicine in revolutionizing HF care delivery. Drawing upon a synthesis of current literature and clinical practices, it delineates the pivotal benefits, challenges, and personalized strategies associated with these technologies in HF management. The analysis highlights the potential of remote monitoring and telemedicine in facilitating timely interventions, enhancing patient engagement, and optimizing treatment adherence, thereby ameliorating clinical outcomes. However, technical intricacies, regulatory frameworks, and socioeconomic factors pose formidable hurdles to widespread adoption. The manuscript emphasizes the imperative of tailored interventions, leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, to address individual patient needs effectively. Looking forward, sustained innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic investment are advocated to realize the transformative potential of remote monitoring and telemedicine in HF management, thereby advancing patient-centric care paradigms and optimizing healthcare resource allocation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Heart Failure Research)

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

1. Tentative Title: Understanding Galectin-3's Role in Diastolic Dysfunction: A Contemporary Perspective

Auhtors: Wen-Rui Hao, Chun-Yao Cheng, Ju-Chi Liu, Huan-Yuan Chen, Jin-Jer Chen, Tzu-Hurng Cheng

 

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