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Early detection of myocardial dysfunction and heart failure
Geoffrey de Couto1, Maral Ouzounian, Peter P Liu
1Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, NCSB 11-1266, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada.
Nature Reviews. Cardiology
|May 12, 2010
Summary
Early detection of cardiac dysfunction is crucial for preventing heart failure progression. Utilizing serological biomarkers and advanced imaging can identify at-risk patients before symptoms manifest, enabling timely interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarker Research
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Heart failure and cardiac dysfunction are increasing globally.
- Current treatments focus on symptomatic stages, often after irreversible damage.
- Early identification is key to preventing or delaying heart failure onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore strategies for early identification of asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction.
- To evaluate the utility of biomarkers and noninvasive imaging in risk stratification.
- To discuss novel approaches for monitoring myocardial health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing and emerging serological biomarkers (e.g., B-type natriuretic peptide, troponins, protein ST2).
- Discussion of noninvasive imaging techniques like three-dimensional speckle tracking and PET-CT.
- Proposal of a staged screening approach for patients with risk factors.
Main Results:
- Existing biomarkers like B-type natriuretic peptide and troponins are valuable.
- Novel markers (protein ST2, galectin-3) show potential for incremental prognostic information.
- Advanced imaging can reveal myocardial changes before overt abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- A staged approach using biomarkers and imaging can aid early detection of cardiac dysfunction.
- Novel biomarkers and advanced imaging offer promising insights into preclinical disease.
- Early intervention strategies are essential for managing the rising impact of heart failure.
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