Circulating cell-free DNA levels are associated with adverse outcomes in heart failure: testing liquid biopsy in heart failure

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is genomic DNA released as result of cell death mechanisms (e.g. apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy).1 Mostly investigated in oncology, cfDNA fragments have proven utility for early detection, treatment monitoring and risk stratification of cancer and this is known as the ‘liquid biopsy’ method.1–3 More recently, investigations in the cardiovascular field4–6 have shown associations of cfDNA with cardiovascular...