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Galectin-3 Beyond Conventional Cardiac Biomarkers and Its Incremental Prognostic Value in Heart Failure: A Systematic

Vaishnavi Hemdev1, Anushka Rani2, Ahsan Qadeer3

  • 1Internal Medicine, University of York, York, GBR.

Cureus
|June 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Galectin-3 shows promise in predicting heart failure outcomes, especially in specific patient groups. Serial measurements of this fibrosis biomarker offer greater prognostic insight than single assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarker Research
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Accurate risk stratification in heart failure (HF) is challenging despite current biomarkers.
  • Galectin-3, a marker of inflammation and fibrosis, is a potential prognostic indicator.
  • Its added value beyond established cardiac biomarkers needs further definition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review evidence on the prognostic role of galectin-3 in adult HF.
  • To assess the incremental value of galectin-3 beyond conventional biomarkers.
  • To explore its utility in different HF phenotypes and disease stages.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of seven high-quality primary studies.
  • Inclusion of diverse HF populations: community, ambulatory, HFpEF, acute decompensated, post-discharge.
  • Focus on studies evaluating galectin-3's prognostic impact and additive value.

Main Results:

  • Galectin-3 demonstrated incremental prognostic value for mortality and HF hospitalization.
  • This was particularly evident in fibrosis-dominant phenotypes like HFpEF and acute decompensated HF.
  • Prognostic utility was reduced in well-treated chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction after natriuretic peptide adjustment.
  • Serial galectin-3 measurements showed stronger associations with adverse outcomes than single assessments.

Conclusions:

  • Galectin-3 plays a phenotype-specific and dynamic role in HF prognosis.
  • It reflects myocardial remodeling, not solely hemodynamic stress.
  • Findings support galectin-3's utility in risk stratification and disease monitoring for specific HF types.
  • Further prospective studies are needed to guide management strategies using galectin-3.

Keywords:
acute heart failurebiomarkersgalectin-3heart failurehfpefmyocardial fibrosisnatriuretic peptidesprognosisrisk stratification

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