Abstract Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a widely available inflammatory biomarker. Its prognostic role during hospitalization in patients with acute heart failure (HF) remains unclear. Objective: To assess whether CRP measured at hospital admission predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with acute HF admitted to a general public hospital ward. Methods: This prospective study enrolled patients (≥18 years old) admitted to a medical ward with a primary diagnosis of acute HF directly from the emergency department. CRP was measured within 72 […]

Abstract Background: The One-Minute Step Test (1MST) seems to be a useful tool for exploring the component of energy metabolism used in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), but it is still little explored in patients with Heart Failure (HF) in the hospital environment. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing 1MST in hospitalized patients with HF. Methods: Data were collected using electronic medical records and evaluative tests from patients with HF. The safety of the 1MST was assessed […]

Abstract Background: Patients with chronic heart failure (HF) require outpatient monitoring after hospital discharge. The ability to use a smartphone with a personal messaging application may help. Objectives: Tis study aimed to investigate the feasibility of remote monitoring and evaluate its impact on treatment adherence and prognosis in patients with HF. Methods: A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study: 57 patients in the mHealth group and 43 in the control group. The observation period lasted six months. […]

Abstract Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an intricate clinical syndrome that significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive advancements, research on markers of severity in CHF remains scarce. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate procalcitonin (PCT) and D-dimer as severity predictors in CHF. Methods: CHF patients were included in this retrospective single-center study between January to December 2022. The population group was randomized and classified as stages I to IV based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) […]

Abstract Background Digital health uses innovative information technology for healthcare needs. Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly adopted in healthcare, including cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR), to improve performance and adherence. However, digital interventions must consider users’ perspectives to prevent VR from becoming a barrier. Objective This study aimed to assess the usability and enjoyment of physical activity associated with VR among inpatients with heart failure (HF). Method A prospective pilot study was conducted with ten patients diagnosed with HF. Participants completed an […]

Abstract Background Current guidelines recommend incorporating exercise and physical activity, such as inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and neuromuscular training, as adjunctive therapies alongside pharmacological treatments for patients with heart failure (HF). Objective To evaluate the effects of IMT and peripheral muscle training (PMT) on respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, lung function, and functional capacity in patients with HF. Methods This is a randomized controlled trial. Prior to randomization, all patients were assessed with the 6-minute walk test, inspiratory muscle strength […]

Abstract Amyloidosis is caused by the extracellular deposition of insoluble protein arrangements, formed from structural changes in different precursor proteins. The prominent clinical and epidemiological relevance of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), whose increased incidence is associated with the aging of the global population, given its high prevalence in the elderly population, has motivated the intensification of the search for specific therapeutic targets capable of altering the natural course of the disease. The past few years have been especially prolific with […]

Abstract Background: In transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), the assessment of functional capacity is of great importance. A distance < 300m covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is linked to a poorer prognosis in heart failure (HF) patients. However, in ATTR-CM, this association is not well-established, particularly among its various presentations and variants. Objectives: To evaluate functional capacity and, the prognostic value of the 6MWT in patients with ATTR-CM and to identify their clinical characteristics according to the type of […]