Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
07:52
A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy
Published on: November 7, 2017
Hyperuricemia in acute heart failure. More than a simple spectator?
Anna L Alimonda1, Julio Núñez, Eduardo Núñez
1Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
European Journal of Internal Medicine
|February 25, 2009
Summary
Elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels are linked to increased mortality risk in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF). This finding highlights UA as a significant prognostic biomarker in AHF patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Acute Heart Failure Research
Background:
- Hyperuricemia is common in chronic heart failure (CHF), associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Serum uric acid (UA) predicts mortality in CHF, but its prognostic role in acute heart failure (AHF) is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if serum UA levels predict all-cause mortality in patients admitted with AHF.
- To identify clinical predictors of serum UA levels in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 560 consecutive AHF patients from a single university center.
- Serum UA levels measured during early hospitalization.
- Survival status followed up post-discharge (median 330 days).
- Cox regression analysis used to assess the independent association of UA with mortality.
Main Results:
- 165 deaths (29.5%) occurred during follow-up.
- Patients with UA levels ≥7.7 mg/dl had significantly higher mortality rates (37.9% vs. 21.1%, p<0.001).
- Multivariable analysis confirmed UA ≥7.7 mg/dl (HR 1.45) and each 1 mg/dl increase in UA (HR 1.08) independently predicted increased mortality risk.
Conclusions:
- Serum uric acid levels serve as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in unselected patients admitted with AHF.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
01:29Heart 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...
01:30Heart 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...
01:26Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
01:27Heart Failure I: Introduction
Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...