Scientists at the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) at the University of Navarra are participating in a European project centered on preventing heart failure in older people. CIMA is the only center in Spain involved in the HOMAGE (Heart OMics in Ageing) study, in which 17 European and American institutions are collaborating. The project has received 12 million Euros in funding.

Heart failure is one of the chief causes of death in the world and the main reason for admission of the over-65s to hospital. Its prevalence is rising due to population ageing and the increased numbers of people with risk factors (dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure). "The object of the project is to study new molecules which will help prevent this disorder in patients at risk of heart failure", explains Dr. Javier Díez, director of the Cardiovascular Sciences Division at CIMA, a member of the executive committee of the European project, and Dr. Arantxa González Miqueo, a researcher in this field and the coordinator of the project in CIMA.

The HOMAGE project is centered on finding more sensitive biomarkers using "omic-based" technologies (genomic, proteomic, etc.), which will permit the development of new therapeutic targets to prevent heart failure. "Once the biomarkers in the blood have been identified, we shall assess their significance in predicting this complaint and others alterations associated with age, such as the deterioration of the renal functions or cognitive disorders", the CIMA researchers added. The next step is a clinical trial aimed at developing new personalized treatments for at-risk patients.