Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: everything the clinician needs to know

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a growing clinical challenge, comprising at least half of all heart failure cases.
• Increasingly diagnosed due to an aging population and rising comorbidities like obesity and diabetes.
• HFpEF presents complex pathophysiology, diverse epidemiology, and evolving treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize the latest insights into HFpEF, integrating recent clinical trials, epidemiological data, and guideline recommendations.
• To provide practical guidance for primary care practitioners, generalists, and non-specialist cardiologists.
• To simplify the diagnosis and management of HFpEF, focusing on comorbidities and current treatments.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis of recent clinical trials and epidemiological research.
• Review of current guideline recommendations for HFpEF diagnosis and management.
• Focus on non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• HFpEF is a complex syndrome with diverse causes and presentations.
• Management requires addressing comorbidities and utilizing updated treatment approaches.
• SGLT2 inhibitors represent a key advancement in pharmacological treatment.

Conclusions:

• HFpEF diagnosis and management are challenging but increasingly understood.
• Practical, evidence-based recommendations are crucial for effective patient care.
• Integrating new pharmacological agents and managing comorbidities are vital for improving outcomes in HFpEF.