WASHINGTON DC. [USA]In a recent study, scientists discovered a biomarker that can help doctors diagnose patients at risk before the onset of symptoms of a heart attack.
The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center study was published in JAMA Cardiology.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) affects many people each year. And now, with the discovery of the very first biomarker for HFpEF, a simple blood test can reveal if a patient's heart is not producing enough important protein.
If protein levels decrease, the signal from the biomarker increases and doctors will be able to diagnose heart failure faster, prescribe medication and prevent progression of the disease.
Reduce your intake of salt and fluids: Some simple tips to avoid chronic heart failure
Save your heart
September 29, 2018
Heart failure or heart failure is a clinical condition in which the heart loses the ability to eject blood to meet the needs of the body tissues. Whatever the cause, nutritional problems must be taken into account in this state to prevent morbidity and mortality. Patients with chronic heart failure are at a constant risk of losing weight due to their poor health and dietary intake, due to a lack of appetite, lack of Depression or loss of appetite due to medication use. Dietary interventions to maintain and restore nutritional balance are essential. part of the treatment therapy. These include an appropriate change in caloric intake, a reduction in intake of sodium and fluids, the maintenance of potassium and magnesium in the body and an appropriate supplementation of vitamins and minerals.Here some simple tips from Dr. Ritika Samaddar, Chief Nutritionist at Max Hospital, Saket.
Watch the calories
September 29, 2018
Obese patients are encouraged to lose weight in order to minimize cardiac workload. On the other hand, in malnourished patients with chronic heart failure, caloric intake must be increased to match the requirement.
Reduce salt
September 29, 2018
In heart failure patients, a reduction in salt intake leads to a significant improvement. Most of the time, the limit is set at 2 to 3 grams of salt a day. This requires control of the consumption of high-sodium foods and limited use of table salt.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
September 29, 2018
Most diuretics increase the excretion of potassium and magnesium, thus causing the depletion of minerals in the body. A diet rich in potassium and magnesium, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, is also encouraged, as well as the use of supplements.
Stay hydrated
September 29, 2018
In patients with severe water overload, requiring high doses of diuretic or taking too much fluid, the total daily intake of water and fluids should be limited to 500 to 2000 ml per day.
"By the time symptoms of heart failure develop, the critical window of corrective treatment is usually closed," said Robin Shaw, the principal investigator of the study. "Our discovery not only allows us to diagnose the disease faster, but also to treat patients before the end of this critical period of early intervention to save lives."
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a condition in which the heart can contract, but which has relaxation problems – limits the heart's ability to fill with blood between each beat – and therefore decreases the amount of blood that progresses with each contraction.
Prior to the discovery of the biomarker, clinicians had to wait for patients to have symptoms to make a diagnosis of HFpEF and to use an echocardiogram that measured the degree of relaxation of the heart. There was no method to assess the health of the heart muscle before the onset of symptoms or to determine the severity of the disease once the symptoms were present.
World Heart Day: Exercise, Eat Almonds and Reduce Stress to Prevent Heart Problems
Secret for a happy life
September 25, 2018
According to a study published by The Lancet Global Health, cardiovascular heart disease accounts for more than a quarter of total deaths in the country and mostly affects rural populations and young adults. The study also shows that the youngest adults, especially those born after 1970, have the highest mortality rate due to narrowing of the cardiac arteries.
Nutritionists point out that lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some of them are:
(Text: Divya Shekhar)
Bring the almonds
September 25, 2018
Research indicates that almonds, a source of protein and high in dietary fiber, help maintain a healthy blood sugar level and reduce the impact of carbohydrates on blodd sugars.
Meghana Kumare, nutritionist in Nagpur, said: "Consuming 43 grams of lightly salted dry roasted almonds reduces hunger and improves the consumption of dietary vitamin E and monounsaturated fat without increasing body weight.
Keep fit
September 25, 2018
Include exercise in your daily routine and maintain an active lifestyle. According to nutritionist Madhuri Ruia, "a moderate exercise of 30 minutes a day for five days a week is recommended for a healthy heart".
Healthy eating habits
September 25, 2018
Experts have said that one must consume good fats in proportion and avoid saturated and trans-food fats.
The Eat Right movement of the FSSAI recommends reducing the daily consumption of sugar, salt and oil.
"Halve your intake of sugar, salt and oil to halve your impact on heart disease," said Delhi-based nutritionist Ritika Samaddar.
Stop smoking
September 25, 2018
Sheela Krishnaswamy, a nutritionist in Bengaluru, said, "Smoking can damage the structure and function of the arteries, thus increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Carbon monoxide inhaled by cigarette smoke helps reduce oxygen levels in the blood. Second-hand tobacco smoke also causes heart disease in non-smokers, which means you could also affect the health of your loved ones. "
The biomarker, called cBIN1 Score or CS, allows doctors to measure muscle breakdown and measure a protein that regulates the heart's ability to contract and relax. As the protein decreases, CS increases, indicating early heart failure. The CS biomarker can be measured using a simple blood test.
The CS biomarker is designed for use in outpatient clinics. For patients with known HFpEF, doctors can establish a level of CS and use it to guide current care, including medication adjustments, and to predict the chances that a patient will be admitted to the hospital over the next 12 months.
"More broadly, this discovery will allow the most at-risk patients – including elderly patients and those with hypertension, diabetes or dyslipidemia – to be screened at an annual checkup done by their primary care physician, "said Eduardo Marbán. "This basic research could have an impact on millions of people and be an essential tool for preventative cardiac care."
