Rationale, design, and organization of the Diastolic Heart Failure Assessment Study in Tohoku District (DIAST)

Tsuyoshi Shinozaki1, Jun Watanabe, Junichi Kikuchi

  • 1Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.

Insights

This study investigates carvedilol for diastolic heart failure (DHF), aiming to establish effective treatment guidelines for this condition with high mortality and readmission rates.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diastolic heart failure (DHF) is associated with significant mortality and high readmission rates.
  • Currently, evidence-based therapeutic strategies for DHF are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and prognostic efficacy of carvedilol in patients with DHF.
  • To establish therapeutic guidelines for DHF.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter, randomized open trial (DIAST) involving 160 DHF patients (left-ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%).
  • Patients received carvedilol at a target dose of 10 mg twice daily with a mean follow-up of 2 years.
  • Primary endpoints included all-cause mortality/hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality/hospitalization, and worsening heart failure.

Main Results:

  • Results are pending as the study is ongoing.
  • Substudies will explore DHF pathophysiology, including neurohumoral factors, heart rate variability, oxidative stress, and sleep apnea.

Conclusions:

  • The DIAST trial is expected to contribute to the establishment of therapeutic guidelines for DHF.
  • Findings will inform clinical practice for managing DHF patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...