Potential Implications of Expanded US Food and Drug Administration Labeling for Sacubitril/Valsartan in the US

Impact of Multimorbidity on Mortality in Heart Failure With Mildly Reduced and Preserved Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

How different combinations of comorbidities influence risk at the patient level and population level in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction/heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is unknown. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of different combinations of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbidities (ie, multimorbidity) and associated risk of death at the patient level and population level.

METHODS

Using patient-level data from the TOPCAT trial (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) and PARAGON-HF trial (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ARB Global Outcomes in HF With Preserved Ejection Fraction), we investigated the 5 most common cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbidities and the resultant 45 comorbidity pairs. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate the population-attributable fractions for all-cause mortality and the relative excess risk due to interaction for each comorbidity pair.

RESULTS

Among 6504 participants, 95.2% had at least 2 of the 10 most prevalent comorbidities. The comorbidity pair with the greatest patient-level risk was stroke and peripheral artery disease (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.27-2.79]), followed by peripheral artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.81 [95% CI, 1.31-2.51]), and coronary artery disease and stroke (1.67 [95% CI, 1.33-2.11]). The pair with the highest population-level risk was hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD; adjusted population-attributable fraction, 14.8% [95% CI, 9.2%-19.9%]), followed by diabetes and CKD (13.3% [95% CI, 10.6%-16.0%]), and hypertension and diabetes (11.9% [95% CI, 7.1%-16.5%). A synergistic interaction (more than additive risk) was found for the comorbidity pairs of stroke and coronary artery disease (relative excess risk due to interaction, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.13-1.09]), diabetes and CKD (relative excess risk due to interaction, 0.46 [95% CI, -0.15 to 0.77]), and obesity and CKD (relative excess risk due to interaction, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.01-0.46]).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk associated with comorbidity pairs differs at the patient and population levels in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction/heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. At the population level, hypertension, CKD, and diabetes account for the greatest risk, whereas at the patient level, polyvascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the most important.

Potential Impact of Colchicine on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the United States

BACKGROUND

In the COLCOT (Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial) and LoDoCo2 (Low-Dose Colchicine 2) coronary artery disease trials, low-dose colchicine decreased the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) by 23% to 31% beyond statin therapy with a strong safety profile. The number of MACE potentially preventable by widespread colchicine use in the United States remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to estimate the current and potential impact of colchicine on cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS

We first calculated the number of new colchicine users with coronary artery disease before and after COLCOT and LoDoCo2 publication at an integrated health care system in southeastern New England from 2018 to 2023. Second, we estimated the number of potentially avoidable MACEs with widespread colchicine use using incidence rates and the relative risk reduction from the LoDoCo2 trial and the nationally representative National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey study.

RESULTS

From January 2018 to December 2019 (before COLCOT and LoDoCo2 publication), the number of new colchicine users varied between 126 and 151 every 6 months. From January 2020 to June 2023, the number of new colchicine users increased from 141 to 181 every 6 months (<1% of adults with coronary artery disease at Mass General Brigham). Among the estimated 9.2 million adults with stable coronary artery disease on a statin in the United States, adding colchicine to standard medical management is estimated to prevent 226,000 MACE over a 3-year period.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding colchicine to standard cardiovascular management may prevent 226,000 MACE in the United States over a 3-year period.

Race in Heart Failure: A Pooled Participant-Level Analysis of the Global PARADIGM-HF and PARAGON-HF Trials

BACKGROUND

Mechanisms of disease pathobiology, prognosis, and potentially treatment responses might vary by race in patients with heart failure (HF).

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan among patients with HF by self-reported race.

METHODS

PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) and PARAGON-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ARB Global Outcomes in HF With Preserved Ejection Fraction) were global, randomized clinical trials testing sacubitril/valsartan against a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RASi) (enalapril or valsartan, respectively) in patients with HF and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% (PARADIGM-HF) or left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45% (PARAGON-HF). Patients with self-reported race were categorized as White, Asian, or Black. We assessed the composite of first HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death, its components, and angioedema across races.

RESULTS

Among 12,097 participants, 9,451 (78.1%) were White, 2,116 (17.5%) were Asian, and 530 (4.4%) were Black. Over a median follow-up of 2.5 years, Black (adjusted HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.42-1.98) and Asian patients (adjusted HR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.18-1.47) experienced higher risks of the primary outcome compared with White patients. Treatment effects of sacubitril/valsartan vs RASi on the primary endpoint were consistent among White (HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.77-0.91), Asian (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.78-1.10), and Black patients (HR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.58-1.07; Pinteraction = 0.58). Rates of severe angioedema were higher with sacubitril/valsartan vs RASi (White: 0.2% vs 0.1%; Black: 1.5% vs 0.0%; Asian: 0.1% vs 0.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a pooled experience of 2 global trials, Black and Asian patients exhibited a higher risk of cardiovascular events than White patients. The benefits of sacubitril/valsartan were consistent across races. Risks of severe angioedema were low but numerically higher with sacubitril/valsartan. (Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure [PARADIGM-HF]; NCT01035255; Prospective Comparison of ARNI with ARB Global Outcomes in HF With Preserved Ejection Fraction [PARAGON-HF]; NCT01920711).

Global epidemiology of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome marked by substantial morbidity and mortality. The natural history of HF is well established; however, epidemiological data are continually evolving owing to demographic shifts, advances in treatment and variations in access to health care. Although the incidence of HF has stabilized or declined in high-income countries over the past decade, its prevalence continues to increase, driven by an ageing population, an increase in risk factors, the effectiveness of novel therapies and improved survival. This rise in prevalence is increasingly noted among younger adults and is accompanied by a shift towards HF with preserved ejection fraction. However, disparities exist in our epidemiological understanding of HF burden and progression in low-income and middle-income countries owing to the lack of comprehensive data in these regions. Therefore, the current epidemiological landscape of HF highlights the need for periodic surveillance and resource allocation tailored to geographically vulnerable areas. In this Review, we highlight global trends in the burden of HF, focusing on the variations across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction. We also discuss evolving population-based estimates of HF incidence and prevalence, the risk factors for and aetiologies of this disease, and outcomes in different geographical regions and populations.

Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan vs Valsartan in De Novo vs Acute on Chronic HFpEF and HFmrEF

Background

Decompensated heart failure (HF) can be categorized as de novo or worsening of chronic HF. In PARAGLIDE-HF (Prospective comparison of ARNI with ARB Given following stabiLization In DEcompensated HFpEF), among patients with an ejection fraction >40% that stabilized after worsening HF, sacubitril/valsartan led to a significantly greater reduction in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and was associated with clinical benefit compared to valsartan.

Objectives

This prespecified analysis characterized patients with de novo vs worsening chronic HF in PARAGLIDE-HF and assessed the interaction between HF chronicity and the effect of sacubitril/valsartan.

Methods

Patients were classified as de novo (first diagnosis of HF) or chronic (known HF prior to the index event). Time-averaged proportional change in NT-proBNP from baseline to weeks 4 and 8 was analyzed using an analysis of covariance model. A win ratio consisting of time to cardiovascular death, number and times of HF hospitalizations during follow-up, number and times of urgent HF visits during follow-up, and time-averaged proportional change in NT-proBNP was assessed for each group.

Results

Of the 466 participants, 153 (33%) had de novo HF and 313 (67%) had chronic HF. De novo patients had lower rates of atrial fibrillation/flutter and lower creatinine. There was a nonsignificant reduction in NT-proBNP with sacubitril/valsartan vs valsartan for de novo (0.82; 95% CI: 0.62-1.07) and chronic HF (0.88; 95% CI: 0.73-1.07), interaction P = 0.66. The win ratio was nominally in favor of sacubitril/valsartan for both de novo (1.12; 95% CI: 0.70-1.58) and chronic HF (1.24; 95% CI: 0.89-1.71).

Conclusions

There is no interaction between HF chronicity and the effect of sacubitril-valsartan.

Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Advancements in Heart Failure Treatment

Heart failure (HF) is a complex, life-threatening condition characterized by high mortality, morbidity, and poor quality of life. Despite studies of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapies, the rate of HF hospitalization is still increasing due to the growing and aging population and an increase in obesity in relatively younger individuals. It remains a predominant issue in the public health and the global economic burden. Current research has focused on how HF affects the entire range of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), especially the three HF subgroups. This review provides a latest overview of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies of these three subgroups (HF with preserved ejection fraction, HF with reduced ejection fraction, and HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction). We summarize conventional therapies, investigate novel strategies, and explore the new technologies such as aortic thoracic stimulation and interatrial shunting devices.

Usefulness of Heart Failure Categories Based on Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

Heart failure guidelines have recently introduced a narrow category with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction; LVEF 41%-49%) between the previous categories of reduced (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; LVEF ≤40%) and preserved (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; LVEF ≥50%) ejection fraction. Grouping of continuous measurements into narrow categories can be questioned if their variability is high.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We constructed a cohort of all 9716 new cases of chronic heart failure with an available LVEF in Stockholm, Sweden, from January 1, 2015, until December 31, 2020. All values of LVEF were collected over time, and patients were followed up until death, moving out of Stockholm, or end of study. Mixed models were used to quantify within-person variance in LVEF, and multistate Markov models, with death as an absorbing state, to quantify the stability of LVEF categories. LVEF values followed a normal distribution. The SD of the within-person variance in LVEF over time was 7.4%. The mean time spent in any LVEF category before transition to another category was on average <1 year for heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction. Probabilities of transitioning between categories during the first year were substantial; patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction had a probability of <25% of remaining in that category 1 year later.

CONCLUSIONS

LVEF follows a normal distribution and has considerable variability over time, which may impose a risk for underuse of efficient treatment. The heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction category is especially inconstant. Assumptions of a patient's current LVEF should take this variability and the normal distribution of LVEF into account.

Trends and site-level variation of novel cardiovascular medication utilization among patients admitted for heart failure or coronary artery disease in the US Veterans Affairs System: 2017-2021

BACKGROUND

We assessed trends in novel cardiovascular medication utilization in US Veterans Affairs (VA) for angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA).

METHODS

We retrospectively identified cohorts from 114 VA hospitals with admission for prevalent 1) systolic heart failure (HF, N = 82,375) or 2) coronary artery disease and diabetes (CAD+T2D, N = 74,209). Site-level data for prevalent filled prescriptions were assessed at hospital admission, discharge, or within 6 months of discharge. Variability among sites was estimated with median odds ratios (mOR), and within-site Pearson correlations of utilization of each medication class were calculated. Site- and patient-level characteristics were compared by high-, mixed-, and low-utilizing sites.

RESULTS

ARNI and SGTL2i use for HF increased from <5% to 20% and 21%, respectively, while SGTL2i or GLP-1 RA use for CAD+T2D increased from <5% to 30% from 2017 to 2021. Adjusted mOR and 95% confidence intervals for ARNI, SGTL2i for HF, and SGTL2i or GLP-1 RA for CAD+T2D were 1.73 (1.64-1.91), 1.72 (1.59-1.81), and 1.53 (1.45-1.62), respectively. Utilization of each medication class correlated poorly with use of other novel classes (Pearson <0.38 for all). Higher patient volume, number of beds, and hospital complexity correlated with high-utilizing sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Utilization of novel medications has increased over time but remains suboptimal for US Veterans with HF and CAD+T2D, with substantial site-level heterogeneity despite a universal medication formulary and low out-of-pocket costs for patients. Future work should include further characterization of hospital- and clinician-level practice patterns to serve as targets to increase implementation.

Health and Economic Evaluation of Sacubitril-Valsartan for Heart Failure Management

Importance

The US Food and Drug Administration expanded labeling of sacubitril-valsartan from the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF) to all patients with HF, noting the greatest benefits in those with below-normal EF. However, the upper bound of below normal is not clearly defined, and value determinations across a broader EF range are unknown.

Objective

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of sacubitril-valsartan vs renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASis) across various upper-level cutoffs of EF.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This economic evaluation included participant-level data from the PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) and the PARAGON-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNi with ARB Global Outcomes in HF With Preserved Ejection Fraction) trials. PARADIGM-HF was conducted between 2009 and 2014, PARAGON-HF was conducted between 2014 and 2019, and this analysis was conducted between 2021 and 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A 5-state Markov model used risk reductions for all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization from PARADIGM-HF and PARAGON-HF. Quality-of-life differences were estimated from EuroQol-5D scores. Hospitalization and medication costs were obtained from published national sources; the wholesale acquisition cost of sacubitril-valsartan was $7092 per year. Risk estimates and treatment effects were generated in consecutive 5% EF increments up to 60% and applied to an EF distribution of US patients with HF from the Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure registry. The base case included a lifetime horizon from a health care sector perspective. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated at EFs of 60% or less (base case) and at various upper-level EF cutoffs.

Results

Among 13 264 total patients whose data were analyzed, for those with EFs of 60% or less, sacubitril-valsartan was projected to add 0.53 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at an incremental lifetime cost of $40 892 compared with RASi, yielding an ICER of $76 852 per QALY. In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, 95% of the values of the ICER occurred between $71 516 and $82 970 per QALY. Among patients with chronic HF and an EF of 60% or less, treatment with sacubitril-valsartan vs RASis would be at least of economic intermediate value (ICER <$180 000 per QALY) at a sacubitril-valsartan cost of $10 242 or less per year, of high economic value (ICER <$60 000 per QALY) at a cost of $3673 or less per year, and cost-saving at a cost of $338 or less per year. The ICERs were $67 331 per QALY, $59 614 per QALY, and $56 786 per QALY at EFs of 55% or less, 50% or less, and 45% or less, respectively. Treatment with sacubitril-valsartan in only those with EFs of 45% or greater (up to ≤60%) yielded an ICER of $127 172 per QALY gained; treatment was more cost-effective in those at the lower end of this range (ICER of $100 388 per QALY gained for those with EFs of 45%-55%; ICER of $84 291 per QALY gained for those with EFs of 45%-50%).

Conclusions and Relevance

Cost-effectiveness modeling provided an ICER for treatment with sacubitril-valsartan vs RASis consistent with high economic value for patients with reduced and mildly reduced EFs (≤50%) and at least intermediate value at the current undiscounted wholesale acquisition cost price at an EF of 60% or less. Treatment was more cost-effective at lower EF ranges. These findings may have implications for coverage decisions and value assessments in contemporary clinical practice guidelines.

Left ventricular ejection fraction and long-term outcomes in women presenting with signs and symptoms of ischaemia

BACKGROUND

Although women are known to have a relatively higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared with men, a sex-neutral LVEF threshold continues to be used for clinical management. We sought to investigate the relationship among high (>65%), normal (55%-65%) and low (<55%) LVEF and long-term all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in women presenting with suspected myocardial ischaemia.

METHODS

A total of 734 women from the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) were analysed. LVEF was calculated by invasive left ventriculography. The relationship between baseline characteristics, LVEF and outcomes was evaluated. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to assess the association of LVEF with outcomes, after adjusting for known risk factors.

RESULTS

Low LVEF was associated with higher rates of mortality and MACE compared with normal and high LVEF (p<0.0001). Normal LVEF was associated with higher mortality (p=0.047) and rate of myocardial infarctions (MIs) compared with high LVEF (p=0.03). Low LVEF remained a significant predictor of mortality compared with high LVEF (p=0.013) in a multivariable regression model and normal compared with high LVEF trended towards higher mortality (p=0.16).

CONCLUSION

Among women with suspected ischaemia, women with LVEF above the defined normal threshold (>65%) had lower rates of all-cause mortality and non-fatal MI. Further investigation is needed to determine the optimal LVEF in women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00000554.

Modifiability of Composite Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes With Finerenone

IMPORTANCE

It is currently unclear whether chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is modifiable.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether cardiovascular risk can be modified with finerenone in patients with T2D and CKD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Incidence rates from Finerenone in Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: Combined FIDELIO-DKD and FIGARO-DKD Trial Programme Analysis (FIDELITY), a pooled analysis of 2 phase 3 trials (including patients with CKD and T2D randomly assigned to receive finerenone or placebo) were combined with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to simulate the number of composite cardiovascular events that may be prevented per year with finerenone at a population level. Data were analyzed over 4 years of consecutive National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data cycles (2015-2016 and 2017-2018).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Incidence rates of cardiovascular events (composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for heart failure) were estimated over a median of 3.0 years by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria categories. The outcome was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models stratified by study, region, eGFR and albuminuria categories at screening, and cardiovascular disease history.

RESULTS

This subanalysis included a total of 13 026 participants (mean [SD] age, 64.8 [9.5] years; 9088 male [69.8%]). Lower eGFR and higher albuminuria were associated with higher incidences of cardiovascular events. For recipients in the placebo group with an eGFR of 90 or greater, incidence rates per 100 patient-years were 2.38 (95% CI, 1.03-4.29) in those with a urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) less than 300 mg/g and 3.78 (95% CI, 2.91-4.75) in those with UACR of 300 mg/g or greater. In those with eGFR less than 30, incidence rates increased to 6.54 (95% CI, 4.19-9.40) vs 8.74 (95% CI, 6.78-10.93), respectively. In both continuous and categorical models, finerenone was associated with a reduction in composite cardiovascular risk (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78-0.95; P = .002) irrespective of eGFR and UACR (P value for interaction = .66). In 6.4 million treatment-eligible individuals (95% CI, 5.4-7.4 million), 1 year of finerenone treatment was simulated to prevent 38 359 cardiovascular events (95% CI, 31 741-44 852), including approximately 14 000 hospitalizations for heart failure, with 66% (25 357 of 38 360) prevented in patients with eGFR of 60 or greater.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Results of this subanalysis of the FIDELITY analysis suggest that CKD-associated composite cardiovascular risk may be modifiable with finerenone treatment in patients with T2D, those with eGFR of 25 or higher, and those with UACR of 30 mg/g or greater. UACR screening to identify patients with T2D and albuminuria with eGFR of 60 or greater may provide significant opportunities for population benefits.

Optimizing outcomes in heart failure: 2022 and beyond

Although the development of therapies and tools for the improved management of heart failure (HF) continues apace, day-to-day management in clinical practice is often far from ideal. A Cardiovascular Round Table workshop was convened by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) to identify barriers to the optimal implementation of therapies and guidelines and to consider mitigation strategies to improve patient outcomes in the future. Key challenges identified included the complexity of HF itself and its treatment, financial constraints and the perception of HF treatments as costly, failure to meet the needs of patients, suboptimal outpatient management, and the fragmented nature of healthcare systems. It was discussed that ongoing initiatives may help to address some of these barriers, such as changes incorporated into the 2021 ESC HF guideline, ESC Heart Failure Association quality indicators, quality improvement registries (e.g. EuroHeart), new ESC guidelines for patients, and the universal definition of HF. Additional priority action points discussed to promote further improvements included revised definitions of HF 'phenotypes' based on trial data, the development of implementation strategies, improved affordability, greater regulator/payer involvement, increased patient education, further development of patient-reported outcomes, better incorporation of guidelines into primary care systems, and targeted education for primary care practitioners. Finally, it was concluded that overarching changes are needed to improve current HF care models, such as the development of a standardized pathway, with a common adaptable digital backbone, decision-making support, and data integration, to ensure that the model 'learns' as the management of HF continues to evolve.

Contemporary Use of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor Therapy Among Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction in the US: The Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Registry

Importance

Clinical guidelines for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) strongly recommend treatment with a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) to reduce cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization. Nationwide adoption of SGLT2i for HFrEF in the US is unknown.

Objective

To characterize patterns of SGLT2i use among eligible US patients hospitalized for HFrEF.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 49 399 patients hospitalized for HFrEF across 489 sites in the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure (GWTG-HF) registry between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 20 mL/min/1.73 m2, type 1 diabetes, and previous intolerance to SGLT2i were excluded.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Patient-level and hospital-level prescription of SGLT2i at hospital discharge.

Results

Of 49 399 included patients, 16 548 (33.5%) were female, and the median (IQR) age was 67 (56-78) years. Overall, 9988 patients (20.2%) were prescribed an SGLT2i. SGLT2i prescription was less likely among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD; 4550 of 24 437 [18.6%] vs 5438 of 24 962 [21.8%]; P < .001) but more likely among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D; 5721 of 21 830 [26.2%] vs 4262 of 27 545 [15.5%]; P < .001) and those with both T2D and CKD (2905 of 12 236 [23.7%] vs 7078 vs 37 139 [19.1%]; P < .001). Patients prescribed SGLT2i therapy were more likely to be prescribed background triple therapy with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, β-blocker, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (4624 of 9988 [46.3%] vs 10 880 of 39 411 [27.6%]; P < .001), and 4624 of 49 399 total study patients (9.4%) were discharged with prescriptions for quadruple medical therapy including SGLT2i. Among 461 hospitals with 10 or more eligible discharges, 19 hospitals (4.1%) discharged 50% or more of patients with prescriptions for SGLT2i, whereas 344 hospitals (74.6%) discharged less than 25% of patients with prescriptions for SGLT2i (including 29 [6.3%] that discharged zero patients with SGLT2i prescriptions). There was high between-hospital variance in the rate of SGLT2i prescription in unadjusted models (median odds ratio, 2.53; 95% CI, 2.36-2.74) and after adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics (median odds ratio, 2.51; 95% CI, 2.34-2.71).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, prescription of SGLT2i at hospital discharge among eligible patients with HFrEF was low, including among patients with comorbid CKD and T2D who have multiple indications for therapy, with substantial variation among US hospitals. Further efforts are needed to overcome implementation barriers and improve use of SGLT2i among patients with HFrEF.

The joint association of diabetes status and NT-ProBNP with adverse cardiac outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: a prospective cohort study

AIMS

To examine the joint association of diabetes status and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with subsequent risk of major adverse cardio-cerebral events (MACCEs) and all-cause mortality in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

METHODS

A total of 7956 NSTE-ACS patients recruited from the Cardiovascular Center Beijing Friendship Hospital Database Bank were included in this cohort study. Patients were divided into nine groups according to diabetes status (normoglycemia, prediabetes, diabetes) and NT-proBNP tertiles (< 92 pg/ml, 92-335 pg/ml, ≥ 336 pg/ml). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the individual and joint association of diabetes status and NT-proBNP with the risk of MACCEs and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During 20,257.9 person-years of follow-up, 1070 MACCEs were documented. In the fully adjusted model, diabetes and a higher level of NT-proBNP were independently associated with MACCEs risk (HR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20-1.68; HR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.40-2.11) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.05-1.78; HR 2.80, 95% CI: 1.89-4.17). Compared with patients with normoglycemia and NT-proBNP < 92 pg/ml, the strongest numerical adjusted hazards for MACCEs and all-cause mortality were observed in patients with diabetes and NT-proBNP ≥ 336 pg/ml (HR 2.67, 95% CI: 1.83-3.89; HR 2.98, 95% CI: 1.48-6.00). The association between MACCEs and all-cause mortality with various combinations of NT-proBNP level, HbA1c, and fasting plasma glucose was studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes status and elevated NT-proBNP were independently and jointly associated with MACCEs and all-cause mortality in patients with NSTE-ACS.

Incident Heart Failure With Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction: Frequency, Characteristics, and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) with an ejection fraction (EF) of 41%-49% is recognized as HF with a mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF). However, existing knowledge of the HFmrEF phenotype is based on HF clinical trial and registry cohorts that may be limited by multiple forms of bias.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a community-based, retrospective cohort study, adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with validated (Framingham criteria) incident HF from 2007 to 2015 were categorized by echocardiographic EF at first HF diagnosis. Among 2035 adults with incident HF, 12.5% had HFmrEF, 29.9% had HF with reduced EF (HFrEF), and 57.6% had HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Mean age and sex varied by EF group, with HFmrEF (75.6 years, 45.3% female), HFrEF (70.9 years, 36.5% female), and HFpEF (76.9 years, 59.7% female). Most comorbid conditions were more common in HFmrEF vs HFrEF, but similar in HFmrEF and HFpEF. After a mean follow-up of 4.6 ± 3.5 years, adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, the risks of hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality did not differ by EF category. Of patients who began as HFmrEF, 26.9% declined to an EF of 40% or less and 44.8% improved to an EF of 50% or greater.

CONCLUSIONS

In this community cohort of incident HF, 12.5% have HFmrEF. Clinical characteristics in HFmrEF resemble HFpEF more than HFrEF. Adjusted hospitalization and mortality risks did not vary by EF group. Patients with incident HFmrEF usually transitioned to a different EF category on follow-up.

Patient Eligibility for Established and Novel Guideline-Directed Medical Therapies After Acute Heart Failure Hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization presents an opportunity to optimize pharmacotherapy to improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This study's aim was to define eligibility for initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy and newer heart failure (HF) agents from recent clinical trials in the AHF population.

METHODS

The authors analyzed patients with an AHF admission within the CAN-HF (Canadian Heart Failure) registry between January 2017 and April 2020. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) as LVEF >40%. Eligibility was assessed according to the major society guidelines or enrollment criteria from recent landmark clinical trials.

RESULTS

A total of 809 patients with documented LVEF were discharged alive from hospital: 455 with HFrEF and 354 with HFpEF; of these patients, 284 had a de novo presentation and 525 had chronic HF. In HFrEF patients, eligibility for therapies was 73.6% for angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), 94.9% for beta-blockers, 84.4% for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), 81.1% for sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and 15.6% for ivabradine. Additionally, 25.9% and 30.1% met trial criteria for vericiguat and omecamtiv mecarbil, respectively. Overall, 71.6% of patients with HFrEF (75.5% de novo, 69.5% chronic HF) were eligible for foundational quadruple therapy. In the HFpEF population, 37.6% and 59.9% were eligible for ARNIs and SGLT2 inhibitors based on recent trial criteria, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients admitted with AHF are eligible for foundational quadruple therapy and additional novel medications across a spectrum of HF phenotypes.

Population-Level Implications of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in the US

Importance

The expansion of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor use in patients with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) more than 40% following the EMPEROR-Preserved (Empagliflozin Outcome Trial in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction) and the DELIVER (Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure) trials have major implications in the US.

Objective

To quantify the estimated US population-level impact of reducing worsening HF events with SGLT-2 inhibitors in individuals with LVEF more than 40%.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This decision analytical model study used self-reported HF data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey from 2015 to 2018, which was weighted across the entire US population and subsequently mapped onto newly eligible LVEF distributions from the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure registry. All patients older than 18 years with HF from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey were grouped into the following categories: all LVEF and LVEF more than 40%. Numbers needed to treat estimations over 3 years were obtained for outcome measures from the EMPEROR-Reduced (Empagliflozin Outcome Trial in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction), EMPEROR-Preserved, DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure), and DELIVER trials.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Worsening HF events (unplanned HF hospitalizations, urgent HF visits requiring intravenous therapy, or cardiovascular death).

Results

A projected 4 794 524 (95% CI, 3 997 363-5 591 684) adults (57% male; 67% White; mean age, 66 years) with HF would be eligible for SGLT-2 inhibitors. Of this total population, 2 619 248 (95% CI, 2 183 759-3 054 737) would be estimated as newly eligible with LVEF more than 40%. Based on estimates from the EMPEROR-Reduced/EMPEROR-Preserved and DAPA-HF/DELIVER trials, a projected 624 247 (95% CI, 520 457-728 037) to 627 124 (95% CI, 522 855-731 392) worsening HF events could be prevented across the LVEF spectrum with SGLT-2 inhibitors over 3 years, of which 232 589 (95% CI, 193 918-271 260) to 282 879 (95% CI, 235 846-329 912) events could be prevented in individuals with LVEF more than 40%. Moreover, an estimated 468 904 (95% CI, 390 942-546 867) to 499 110 (95% CI, 416 125-582 094) total HF hospitalizations could be prevented across the LVEF spectrum, of which 172 870 (95% CI, 144 128-201 613) to 231 018 (95% CI, 192 608-269 428) could be prevented in individuals with LVEF more than 40%.

Conclusions and Relevance

In addition to the proven benefit in HF with LVEF of 40% and less, optimal implementation of SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy for HF with LVEF more than 40% can potentially prevent/postpone an additional approximately 250 000 worsening HF events over 3 years in the US.

Promising directions in the treatment of chronic heart failure: improving old or developing new ones?

Unprecedented advances of recent decades in clinical pharmacology, cardiac surgery, arrhythmology, and cardiac pacing have significantly improved the prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, unfortunately, heart failure continues to be associated with high mortality. The solution to this problem consists in simultaneous comprehensive use in clinical practice of all relevant capabilities of continuously improving methods of heart failure treatment proven to be effective in randomized controlled trials (especially when confirmed by the results of studies in real clinical practice), on the one hand, and in development and implementation of innovative approaches to CHF treatment, on the other hand. This is especially relevant for CHF patients with mildly reduced and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, as poor evidence base for the possibility of improving the prognosis in such patients cannot justify inaction and leaving them without hope of a clinical improvement in their condition. The lecture consistently covers the general principles of CHF treatment and a set of measures aimed at inotropic stimulation and unloading (neurohormonal, volumetric, hemodynamic, and immune) of the heart and outlines some promising areas of disease-modifying therapy.

Contemporary outpatient management of patients with worsening heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Rationale and design of the CHART-HF study

BACKGROUND

Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and worsening HF events (WHFE) represent a distinct subset of patients with a substantial comorbidity burden, greater potential for intolerance to medical therapy, and high risk of subsequent death, hospitalization and excessive healthcare costs. Although multiple therapies have been shown to be efficacious and safe in this high-risk population, there are limited real-world data regarding factors that impact clinical decision-making when initiating or modifying therapy. Likewise, prior analyses of US clinical practice support major gaps in medical therapy for HFrEF and few medication changes during longitudinal follow-up, yet granular data on reasons why clinicians do not initiate or up-titrate guideline-directed medication are lacking.

METHODS

We designed the CHART-HF study, an observational study of approximately 1,500 patients comparing patients with and without WHFE (WHFE defined as receipt of intravenous diuretics in the inpatient, outpatient, or emergency department setting) who had an index outpatient visit in the US between 2017 and 2019. Patient-level data on clinical characteristics, clinical outcomes, and therapy will be collected from 2 data sources: a single integrated health system, and a national panel of cardiologists. Furthermore, clinician-reported rationale for treatment decisions and the factors prioritized with selection and optimization of therapies in real-world practice will be obtained. To characterize elements of clinician decision-making not documented in the medical record, the panel of cardiologists will review records of patients seen under their care to explicitly note their primary reason for initiating, discontinuing, and titrating medications specific medications, as well as the reason for not making changes to each medication during the outpatient visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from CHART-HF have the potential to detail real-world US practice patterns regarding care of patients with HFrEF with versus without a recent WHFE, to examine clinician-reported reasons for use and non-use of guideline-directed medical therapy, and to characterize the magnitude and nature of clinical inertia toward evidence-based medication changes for HFrEF.

Promise of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction

Heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is associated with comparable poor outcomes as other subtypes of heart failure and remains a medical unmet need due to the paucity of effective therapies. According to large cardiovascular (CV) outcome trials in patients with heart failure, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) reduce CV mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with heart failure across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). There has been a lack of dedicated trials in HFmrEF. However, several large outcome trials in heart failure that enrolled patients with HFmrEF could provide a hint on the role of SGLT2is in this subgroup. This review focuses on CV effects of three major SGLT2is-dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and sotagliflozin-in patients with HFmrEF. A narrative review of trials investigating the efficacy of each medication in treating heart failure with LVEF > 40% is provided with a focus on their LVEF subgroup analyses. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current state of evidence regarding the potential of SGLT2is in HFmrEF management. Current limited evidence suggests that SGLT2is might be a favourable treatment modality for patients with HFmrEF to reduce hospitalization for heart failure and CV mortality. This conclusion needs to be further supported by clear HFmrEF subgroup analysis of the existing trials. Further outcome trials involving sufficient patients with different subtypes of HFmrEF are needed to confirm and assess CV benefits of SGLT2is in HFmrEF. Possible mechanisms by which SGLT2is exert their cardioprotective effect are also described briefly.

Associations between Calcium Channel Blockers Therapy and Mortality in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

Treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is urgently needed; however, effective treatments are lacking. Current evidence showed a possible association between the use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and improved outcomes in HFpEF patients.

AIM

We aimed to investigate the impact of CCBs on mortality in patients with HFpEF.

METHODS

This was a post hoc analysis of the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist trial. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality. We analyzed hazard ratios (HRs) in patients taking CCBs compared with those not taking CCBs using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

We considered 3440 HFpEF patients. The mean follow-up period was 3.4 ± 1.7 years, and 530 patients died during the study period. All-cause mortality rates in patients taking and not taking CCB were 37.3 and 50.8 events per 1,000 person-years, respectively. The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality was significantly lower in those taking CCBs than those not taking CCBs (HR: 0.72, 95% Cl: 0.59 to 0.88, p = 0.001). The risk of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality was also significantly lower in patients taking CCBs than in those not taking CCBs (HR: 0.75, 95% Cl: 0.59 to 0.96, p = 0.023 and HR: 0.68, 95% Cl: 0.49 to 0.93, p = 0.018, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The use of CCBs was associated with reduced risks of mortality in patients with HFpEF.