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New Trial: 1 in 4 Diabetics May Have Undiagnosed Heart Failure
30 Mar
Summary
- A simple blood test can screen for undiagnosed heart failure in diabetics.
- One in four high-risk diabetics screened had undetected heart failure.
- Early detection via screening can lead to better outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.
New research indicates a significant number of individuals living with diabetes may have undiagnosed heart failure, which can be identified through accessible screening methods. The TARTAN-HF trial, involving over 700 patients with diabetes and at least one other heart failure risk factor, found that approximately one in four participants screened had undetected heart failure within six months. This contrasts sharply with the 1% found in the control group receiving usual care.
The study, a collaboration including the University of Glasgow and pharmaceutical companies, demonstrated that a widely available blood test measuring NT-proBNP, alongside heart ultrasound, can effectively detect strain on the heart. Experts emphasize that many heart failure symptoms are non-specific and can be overlooked. The findings, presented at the American College of Cardiology conference in New Orleans from March 28 to 30, suggest that implementing a heart failure screening program for diabetics could significantly improve early diagnosis and treatment initiation.
This early intervention, utilizing guideline-directed therapy, is expected to lead to better patient outcomes and reduce the risk of serious complications, including hospitalization and death. Notably, most participants diagnosed with heart failure had preserved ejection fraction, a type that can be challenging to identify without specific testing.
