Heart Failure

A new observational study, analyzing data from nearly half a million UK subjects, suggests improving sleep behavior is an important intervention for both clinicians and patients looking to reduce risk of heart failure.

One of the ways physicians can gain some forewarning of impending heart failure is through the detection of excess fluid in the lungs, and MIT researchers have developed a new machine learning tool that could offer them a helping hand.

The most common symptom of heart failure is shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs. A potentially life-saving app was made with this in mind, as it analyzes the user's voice to see if they're experiencing heart failure-related lung congestion.

Heart failure isn't necessarily something that happens all at once, but is instead an ongoing condition that has to be monitored. A new wearable is designed to help, by preemptively detecting changes that could ultimately require hospitalization.

Even if one survives a heart attack, the formation of thick scar tissue can increase the chance of heart failure. Now researchers have found a way to improve the quality of scar tissue in animal models, resulting in improved heart function.

Two new studies are offering insights into the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on human health. The research suggests fasting for just one day a month, over many years, can lengthen lifespan and enhance heart health – but there are caveats.

A new AI diagnostic method, using a neural network, can accurately identify congestive heart failure instantly by checking ECG data from just one heartbeat.

A new high-tech "chest mat" has been designed to coach users through the cardiopulmonary resuscitation process.

​We've already heard how electrical pulses have been shown to help heal wounds, by promoting tissue growth. An experimental new implant uses that same principle to aid in the regeneration of cardiac tissue, potentially postponing or even eliminating the need for heart transplants.

​Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat, potentially leading to serious outcomes such as strokes if left untreated. Unfortunately, it's difficult to detect in its early stages. An international team of scientists is hoping to help, with a prototype wrist-worn device.

​In the not-too-distant future, when congestive heart failure patients are being released from hospital, they may be given a special toilet seat to take home. That device would measure their vital signs every time they sit on it, sending alerts if more heart trouble was detected.

A newly developed smartphone app has shown promise for determining if a person is suffering from a serious heart attack. A study into the app's accuracy revealed it was almost as effective as a traditional electrocardiogram (ECG)​ at identifying a serious form of heart attack.