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Diabetes Blood Test Spots Hidden Heart Failure
14 Apr
Summary
- A simple blood test can identify heart failure in diabetic patients.
- Nearly 25% of screened diabetic patients had heart failure.
- Early detection reduced hospitalizations and deaths by 55%.
A novel blood test could revolutionize heart failure detection among individuals with diabetes. Research from the University of Glasgow, presented at the ACC Conference, highlights the TARTAN-HF trial's success. This trial screened over 700 diabetic patients at risk, uncovering a significant burden of previously undetected heart failure.
The TARTAN-HF trial demonstrated that a screening strategy combining an NT-proBNP blood test with echocardiography can identify heart failure effectively. Nearly 25% of participants in the screening group received a diagnosis within six months, compared to only 1% in the usual care group.
Early identification is crucial, as it enables timely treatment with medications like SGLT2 inhibitors. The study reported a 55% reduction in the risk of hospitalization or death for patients in the screening group. This approach is particularly effective in detecting heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a form often missed in routine checks.
Experts emphasize that this simple, accessible screening method can transform diabetes care by integrating heart failure detection. Early diagnostics like the NT-proBNP test are poised to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.
