Combination Therapy Extends Survival in Patients with Severe Heart Disease

Recent research conducted by an international consortium led by MedUni Vienna and University College London has revealed promising advancements in treating severe heart conditions, particularly in patients suffering from both aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis. Traditionally, treatments focused solely on mechanical interventions such as valve replacement, leaving the amyloid deposits in the heart muscle often untreated. However, the new study demonstrates that a combined approach—integrating aortic valve replacement with targeted drug therapy for amyloidosis—significantly improves patient survival rates.

The study analyzed data from 226 patients across ten countries, all diagnosed with both aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis. Aortic stenosis involves the narrowing of the heart valve, obstructing blood flow from the heart's left ventricle into the circulation. Cardiac amyloidosis occurs when misfolded proteins deposit in the heart tissue, impairing its function. Both conditions predominantly affect older adults and frequently coexist.

Importantly, the research shows that patients receiving both valve replacement and tafamidis, a drug used to treat amyloidosis, had notably better survival outcomes. In fact, those who underwent both treatments displayed long-term survival rates similar to patients with aortic stenosis alone without amyloidosis. This underscores the importance of comprehensive treatment strategies.

The findings advocate for routine screening for amyloidosis in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Recognizing the co-occurrence enables healthcare providers to administer targeted therapies that can prolong life and improve quality of life. Early detection and combined treatment are crucial in managing these complex, age-related cardiac diseases.

Overall, this research highlights the potential to change clinical practice by emphasizing the importance of diagnosing and treating both conditions concurrently, paving the way for better patient outcomes in severe heart disease cases.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-combination-therapy-prolong-life-severe.html