Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Relationship Between Lipotoxicity and HFpEF
03:42

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Relationship Between Lipotoxicity and HFpEF

Published on: March 29, 2024

2.1K

Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction in Women: Epidemiology, Outcomes, and Treatment

Gina Mentzer1, Eileen M Hsich2

  • 1Pioneer Heart Institute, Cardiovascular Clinic of Nebraska, LLC, Lincoln, NE 68526, USA.

Heart Failure Clinics
|November 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Millions suffer from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), defined by ejection fraction 40% or less. This article reviews current medication recommendations for women with HFrEF, addressing underrepresentation in clinical trials.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) affects millions, characterized by an ejection fraction of 40% or less.
  • Established therapies improve quality of life, heart function, and survival in HFrEF patients.
  • Women are underrepresented in HFrEF clinical trials, leading to a lack of sex-specific guideline therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline current medication recommendations for women diagnosed with HFrEF.
  • To address the gap in sex-specific therapies due to historical underrepresentation of women in clinical research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing clinical trial data and established HFrEF treatment guidelines.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies with a focus on their applicability and efficacy in female HFrEF patients.

Main Results:

  • Established HFrEF therapies have demonstrated benefits in improving patient outcomes.
  • Current recommendations for medication in women with HFrEF are based on evidence from trials that included female participants, though often not specifically powered for sex-based analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Despite underrepresentation, current guidelines provide a framework for managing HFrEF in women.
  • Further research and prospective trials are needed to develop and validate sex-specific therapies for HFrEF in women.

Keywords:
CardiomyopathiesSex differencesSystolic heart failureWomen

More Related Videos

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction09:20

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Published on: February 13, 2021

7.1K
A Surgical Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Tibetan Minipigs07:09

A Surgical Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Tibetan Minipigs

Published on: February 18, 2022

2.4K

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
929
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
3.7K
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
886
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
340
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
971
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
319