New pharmacotherapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Sara Sotirakos1, Peter Wheen1,2, James Spiers1

  • 1School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin, Ireland.

Insights

New heart failure medications, sacubitril/valsartan (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor) and dapagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor), significantly reduce mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Current heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) guidelines recommend ACE inhibitors/ARBs and Beta Blockers.
  • Newer pharmacotherapies, including ARNI (sacubitril/valsartan) and SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin), offer improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for sacubitril/valsartan and dapagliflozin in HFrEF treatment.
  • To analyze the impact of these novel therapies on mortality and disease modification.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of sacubitril/valsartan and dapagliflozin in HFrEF.
  • Searches conducted in NCBI and Google Scholar using relevant keywords.
  • Examination of reference sections for additional relevant studies.

Main Results:

  • Sacubitril/valsartan demonstrated benefits in mortality for HFrEF patients.
  • Dapagliflozin also showed significant mortality benefits when added to existing therapies.
  • Both agents represent advancements in HFrEF pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions:

  • Sacubitril/valsartan and dapagliflozin are effective in reducing mortality in HFrEF.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate their mechanisms of action in disease modification.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
149
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
796
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.
168
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation,...
664
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...
719
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
214