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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
PubMed

Insights

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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