Study of Blood Proteins Linked to the Change From Stable to Acute Heart Failure in Adults

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on understanding the role of two proteins in the blood that may increase during acute heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot contract properly. The study aims to explore the relationship between changes in these proteins and the occurrence of acute heart failure, as current markers like BNP are not reliable predictors for the transition from stable to worsening heart failure. It highlights the importance of early detection and prevention in managing heart failure, which affects millions and leads to many hospital admissions and deaths annually. The study observes levels of activated caspase-3 and dystrophin, proteins linked to heart muscle cell death and structural support, respectively. It will measure these proteins and other inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF alpha, and CRP in patients with stable or acute decompensated heart failure and healthy controls. Blood samples will be taken every three months for two years to track changes and assess whether spikes in these markers predict adverse outcomes. Participants will have their blood tested regularly, and researchers will monitor hospitalizations for acute heart failure, heart attacks, strokes, or death over three years. The study will also look for daily rhythm changes and serial variations of these proteins to better understand their role. Healthy volunteers without heart disease will be included as controls. The goal is to identify markers that could help predict and manage heart failure progression more proactively.

Circulating Markers That Underlie the Transition From Compensated Hypertrophy to Heart Failure