Early SGLT2 inhibitor use is associated with improved left atrial strain following acute coronary syndrome

Left atrial (LA) strain, a novel marker of LA function, reliably predicts diastolic dysfunction. SGLT2 inhibitors improve heart failure outcomes, but limited data exists regarding their use in the immediate aftermath of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We studied the effect of empagliflozin on LA strain in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and ACS.

Patients with ACS and T2D were identified and empagliflozin was initiated in eligible patients prior to discharge. Patients not initiated on empagliflozin were analysed as a comparator group. A blinded investigator assessed LA strain using baseline and 3-6 month follow-up echocardiograms.

Forty-four participants (n = 22 each group) were included. Baseline characteristics and LA strain were similar in the two groups. LA reservoir, conduit and contractile strain increased in empagliflozin group (28.0 ± 8.4% to 34.6 ± 12.2% p < 0.001, 14.5 ± 5.4% to 16.7 ± 7.0% p = 0.034, 13.5 ± 5.2% to 17.9 ± 7.2% p = 0.005, respectively) but remained unchanged in comparison group (29.2 ± 6.7% to 28.8 ± 7.0%, 12.8 ± 4.2% to 13.3 ± 4.7%, 16.7 ± 5.3% to 15.5 ± 4.5%, respectively, p = NS). The difference in change between groups was significant for LA reservoir (p = 0.003) and contractile strain (p = 0.005).

In patients with ACS and T2D, addition of empagliflozin to standard ACS therapy prior to discharge is associated with improved LA function.