Dapagliflozin for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Will the DELIVER Study Deliver?

Efficacy and Safety of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Nondiabetic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review of Recent Evidence

Background

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were initially developed as glucose-lowering agents in patients with type-2 diabetes. However, available data from clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that SGLT2i have pleiotropic benefits in reducing mortality and delaying the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Thus, we herein review the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in patients with nondiabetic CKD and appraise the recently reported clinical trials that might facilitate the management of CKD in routine clinical practice.

Summary

The benefits of SGLT2i on nondiabetic CKD are multifactorial and are mediated by a combination of mechanisms. The landmark DAPA-CKD trial revealed that dapagliflozin administered with renin-angiotensin system blockade drugs reduced the risk of a sustained decline (at least 50%) in the estimated glomerular filtration rate, end-stage kidney disease, or death from cardiorenal causes. The recent EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin therapy led to a lower risk of progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes. These benefits were consistent in patients with and without diabetes. Moreover, a meta-analysis of DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced trials confirmed reductions in the combined risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure including composite renal endpoint.

Key Messages

Considering the robust data available from DAPA-CKD, EMPA-KIDNEY, and other trials such as EMPEROR-Preserved, DIAMOND that included nondiabetic patients, it may be necessary to update current guidelines to include SGLT2i as a first-line therapy for CKD and reevaluate current CKD therapeutic approaches.

The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction: new guidelines hot off the press and directly into guidelines!

It is well known that the prevalence of heart failure (HF) is high and continues to grow. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, although initially developed as a therapy for type 2 diabetes, have been found to be beneficial in patients with HF, regardless of diabetic status. Given the clinical benefit demonstrated in recent large randomized clinical trials in those with HF, they have been rapidly incorporated into clinical practice and adopted by the national guidelines hot off the press. SGLT2 inhibitors are now recommended for patients with symptomatic HF, with any ejection fraction. These medications are generally very well tolerated by patients, and adverse effects include genital and soft tissue infections, euglycemic ketoacidosis, and volume depletion. SGLT2 inhibitors have now become a pillar of the pharmacologic treatment of HF, thus providers should be familiar with their use for not only those with type 2 diabetes, but also those with HF.

SGLT2 inhibitors and cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To provide a pooled effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF: ≥50%) or/and mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF: 41-49%) regardless of baseline diabetes.

METHODS

We systemically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science databases and clinical trial registries using appropriate keywords till August 28, 2022, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or post-hoc analysis of RCTs, reporting cardiovascular death (CVD) and/or urgent visits/hospitalization for heart failure(HHF) in patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF receiving SGLTi vs. placebo. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes were pooled together using generic inverse variance method with fixed-effects model.

RESULTS

We identified six RCTs, pooling data retrieved from 15,769 patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF. Pooled analysis showed that compared to placebo, SGLT2i use was significantly associated with improved CVD/HHF outcomes in HFmrEF/HFpEF (pooled HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.86, p < 0.001, I² = 0%). When separately analyzed, benefits of SGLT2i remained significant across HFpEF (N = 8891, HR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.87, p < 0.001, I² = 0%) and HFmrEF (N = 4555, HR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.89, p < 0.001, I² = 40%). Consistent benefits were observed also in HFmrEF/HFpEF subgroup without baseline diabetes (N = 6507, HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.91, p < 0.001, I² = 0%). Sensitivity analysis including the DELIVER and EMPEROR-Preserved trials found a trend towards significant beneficial effects on CV deaths with no heterogeneity (HR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.79, 1.02, p = 0.08, I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis established the place of SGLT2i as a foundational therapy among patients with HF with preserved and mildly reduced EF regardless of diabetes.

Effect of low-level laser physiotherapy on left ventricular function among patients with chronic systolic heart failure

BACKGROUND

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a promising noninvasive physiotherapeutic approach that has been demonstrated to improve cardiac performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of low-level laser therapy on cardiac functions and clinical status in patients with chronic left ventricular systolic heart failure who were not candidates for cardiac revascularization or resynchronization. A case series of 27 patients received a course of low-level laser physiotherapy, the clinical outcomes, echocardiographic parameters, and serum nitric oxide levels were evaluated before and after LLLT.

RESULTS

Of the total patients enrolled in the study, 21 (or 77.8%) were male, with a mean age of 57.7 ± 6.89 years. NYHA classification significantly improved after low-level laser therapy, 15 patients were in class III,12 were in class IV, and no one was in class II before laser therapy while after laser therapy; 25 patients shifted to class II, two patients were in class III with P < 0.001, Six-minute walk distance test was performed, and the results showed that the mean of 6MWT was less than 200 m (148.556 ± 39.092) before the study but increased to more than 300 after laser therapy (385.074 ± 61.740), left ventricular ejection fraction before laser therapy was 26 ± 7.5 while after laser therapy it became 30 ± 8.6 but diastolic function did not change after low-level laser therapy, the mean peak TR pressure was 40.0 ± 9.0 mmHg and 33.0 ± 7.0 before and after laser therapy respectively P < 0.001. A significant change was observed in NO level from 4.1 ± 1.4 IU/ml before laser therapy to 5.2 ± 1.7 IU/ml after laser therapy P < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-level laser therapy may add benefits to improve symptoms, clinical condition, and quality of life in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, further studies are necessary to evaluate the changes in cardiac functions at a longer follow-up duration.

[Management of chronic heart failure: state of the art according to the 2021 guideline]

Treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) requires four drug classes that should be initiated simultaneously and up-titrated rapidly. All four have received class I recommendations. Sacubitril/valsartan can be considered in initial treatment, even for patients in whom no previous treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor has been given. Treatment with dapagliflozin and empagliflozin is started irrespective of diabetes mellitus to reduce mortality and hospitalization rates for heart failure. Most drug treatment recommendations for HFrEF can be extrapolated to heart failure with mildly-reduced ejection fraction, even though the evidence base is not as robust as in HFrEF. Treatment individualization considers co-morbidities such as atrial fibrillation, valvular disease and iron deficiency as well as advanced heart failure. Following cardiac decompensation, verciguat is now available as an additional treatment option.

Dapagliflozin reduces the vulnerability of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension-induced right heart failure to ventricular arrhythmia by restoring calcium handling

Background

Malignant ventricular arrhythmia (VA) is a major contributor to sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-induced right heart failure (RHF). Recently, dapagliflozin (DAPA), a sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), has been found to exhibit cardioprotective effects in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. In this study, we examined the effects of DAPA on VA vulnerability in a rat model of PAH-induced RHF.

Methods

Rats randomly received monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg) or vehicle via a single intraperitoneal injection. A day later, MCT-injected rats were randomly treated with placebo, low-dose DAPA (1 mg/kg/day), or high-dose (3 mg/kg/day) DAPA orally for 35 days. Echocardiographic analysis, haemodynamic experiments, and histological assessments were subsequently performed to confirm the presence of PAH-induced RHF. Right ventricle (RV) expression of calcium (Ca²⁺) handling proteins were detected via Western blotting. RV expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) was determined via immunohistochemical staining. An optical mapping study was performed to assess the electrophysiological characteristics in isolated hearts. Cellular Ca²⁺ imaging from RV cardiomyocytes (RVCMs) was recorded using Fura-2 AM or Fluo-4 AM.

Results

High-dose DAPA treatment attenuated RV structural remodelling, improved RV function, alleviated Cx43 remodelling, increased the conduction velocity, restored the expression of key Ca²⁺ handling proteins, increased the threshold for Ca²⁺ and action potential duration (APD) alternans, decreased susceptibility to spatially discordant APD alternans and spontaneous Ca²⁺ events, promoted cellular Ca²⁺ handling, and reduced VA vulnerability in PAH-induced RHF rats. Low-dose DAPA treatment also showed antiarrhythmic effects in hearts with PAH-induced RHF, although with a lower level of efficacy.

Conclusion

DAPA administration reduced VA vulnerability in rats with PAH-induced RHF by improving RVCM Ca²⁺ handling.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01614-5.

Cardiorenal protection of SGLT2 inhibitors—Perspectives from metabolic reprogramming

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, initially developed as a novel class of anti-hyperglycaemic drugs, have been shown to significantly improve metabolic indicators and protect the kidneys and heart of patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. The possible mechanisms mediating these unexpected cardiorenal benefits are being extensively investigated because they cannot solely be attributed to improvements in glycaemic control. Notably, emerging data indicate that metabolic reprogramming is involved in the progression of cardiorenal metabolic diseases. SGLT2 inhibitors reprogram systemic metabolism to a fasting-like metabolic paradigm, involving the metabolic switch from carbohydrates to other energetic substrates and regulation of the related nutrient-sensing pathways, which might explain some of their cardiorenal protective effects. In this review, we will focus on the current understanding of cardiorenal protection by SGLT2 inhibitors, specifically its relevance to metabolic reprogramming.

Aging and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome characterized by the inability of the cardiovascular system to provide adequate cardiac output at normal filling pressures. This results in a clinical syndrome characterized by dyspnea, edema, and decreased exertional tolerance. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is an increasingly common disease, and the incidence of HFpEF increases with age. There are a variety of factors which contribute to the development of HFpEF, including the presence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and other pro-inflammatory states. These comorbid conditions result in changes at the biochemical and cell signaling level which ultimately lead to a disease with a great deal of phenotypic heterogeneity. In general, the physiologic dysfunction of HFpEF is characterized by vascular stiffness, increased cardiac filling pressures, pulmonary hypertension, and impaired volume management. The normal and abnormal processes associated with aging serve as an accelerant in this process, resulting in the hypothesis that HFpEF represents a form of presbycardia. In this article, we aim to review the processes importance of aging in the development of HFpEF by examining the disease and its causes from the biochemical to physiologic level. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 1-10, 2022.

Could SGLT2 Inhibitors Improve Exercise Intolerance in Chronic Heart Failure?

Despite the constant improvement of therapeutical options, heart failure (HF) remains associated with high mortality and morbidity. While new developments in guideline-recommended therapies can prolong survival and postpone HF hospitalizations, impaired exercise capacity remains one of the most debilitating symptoms of HF. Exercise intolerance in HF is multifactorial in origin, as the underlying cardiovascular pathology and reactive changes in skeletal muscle composition and metabolism both contribute. Recently, sodium-related glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were found to improve cardiovascular outcomes significantly. Whilst much effort has been devoted to untangling the mechanisms responsible for these cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, little is known about the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on exercise performance in HF. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms that are responsible for exercise intolerance in HF, elaborates on the potential SGLT2-inhibitor-mediated effects on these phenomena, and provides an up-to-date overview of existing studies on the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on clinical outcome parameters that are relevant to the assessment of exercise capacity. Finally, current gaps in the evidence and potential future perspectives on the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on exercise intolerance in chronic HF are discussed.

A multidisciplinary approach to heart failure care in the hospital: improving the patient journey

Despite advancements in care for patients with heart failure (HF), morbidity and mortality remain high. Hospitalizations and readmissions for HF have been the focus of significant attention among health care providers and payers, with an eye towards reducing health care costs. However, considerable variability exists with regard to inpatient workflows and management for patients with HF, which represents a significant opportunity to improve care. Here we provide a summary of optimal inpatient management strategies for HF, focusing on the multidisciplinary team of emergency medicine providers, admitting hospitalists, cardiovascular consultants, pharmacists, nurses, and social workers. The patient journey serves as the template for this review article, from the initial presentation in the emergency department, to decongestion and stabilization, optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy, and discharge and appropriate disposition. Lastly, this review aims not to be proscriptive but rather to provide best practices that are clinically relevant and actionable, with the goal of improving care for patients during the sentinel hospitalization for HF.

New therapies for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

DISCLAIMER

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

PURPOSE

This review of chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), including new and emerging evidence for treatment of patients with this condition, is intended to offer data supporting the use of specific agents for this patient population.

SUMMARY

Chronic heart failure is a major health concern affecting millions of Americans annually and remains a significant burden on the healthcare system. Heart failure is divided into categories based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Current treatments for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, defined by an LVEF of less than 40%, involve a variety of agents with established morbidity and mortality benefits. This is in stark contrast to directed treatments for patients with HFpEF, defined by an LVEF of greater than 50%. Treatments for this form of heart failure have been elusive until recently, when studies were published with sacubitril/valsartan and empagliflozin. Results of the PARAGON-HF trial suggested benefit from sacubitril/valsartan in patients with an ejection fraction between 45% and 57%, leading to its approval in 2021 as the first medication indicated for treatment of patients with a preserved ejection fraction. Months later, the results of the EMPEROR-Preserved trial demonstrated a statistically significant benefit in the composite outcome of heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular death in patients with HFpEF taking empagliflozin. This medication has yet to gain approval for HFpEF; however, these data along with ongoing and future trials will likely impact standard treatment for these patients.

CONCLUSION

The PARAGON-HF and EMPEROR-Preserved trials will serve as the foundation for a new era in the treatment of HFpEF.

Growing role of SGLT2i in heart failure: evidence from clinical trials

INTRODUCTION

: There is an unmet need for therapies that improve overall mortality and morbidity for patients with preserved ejection fraction, who comprise roughly half of all heart failure (HF) cases. The growing role of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in cardiovascular outcomes provide a paradigm shift in the treatment of HF.

AREAS COVERED

: This review article provides a general overview of the growing role of SGLT2is and summarizes the mechanism of action, side effects, and contraindications for the treatment of HF. We also discuss recent clinical trials measuring the effects of different SGLT2is as possible treatment options for HF with reduced ejection fraction and HF with mid-range and preserved EF. We conducted a review of all the randomized, controlled studies with SGLT2is in patients with known heart failure with and without type-2 diabetes (T2DM). We performed a literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library while screening results by the use of titles and abstracts.

EXPERT OPINION

: The promising pathophysiological profile of SGLT2i and their role in cardioprotective effects demonstrate an invaluable discovery in the management of patients with HF irrespective of their diabetes status.

Relation of left atrial overload indices with prognostic endpoints in heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

Aims

Considerable variation in the relationships between the indices of left atrial (LA) volume and pressure could possibly affect the selection of medications or efforts to improve the prognoses of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We aimed to clarify the association between the prognostic endpoint and LA overload indices in elderly patients with HFpEF.

Methods and results

We analysed 898 patients with HFpEF hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (men/women: 406/492). Blood tests and transthoracic echocardiography were performed before discharge. The primary endpoint was re‐admission for heart failure or all‐cause mortality. Stroke volume (SV)/left atrial volume (LAV), an index for LA volume overload, was a significant prognostic factor of re‐admission for heart failure in the multivariable Cox hazard analysis adjusted for comorbidities [hazard ratio (HR) 0.616, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.430–0.882, P = 0.008]. Additionally, the ratio of diastolic elastance (Ed) to arterial elastance (Ea), an index for LA pressure overload, was also significant (HR 1.444, 95% CI 1.014–2.058, P = 0.041). Furthermore, Ed/Ea, but not SV/LAV, was a significant prognostic factor of all‐cause mortality (HR 1.594, 95% CI 1.102–2.306, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

The index of LA overload for prognosis may differ according to the different endpoints in elderly patients with HFpEF.

A Scoping Review Evaluating the Effect of SGLT-2 Inhibitors on Insulin Dose Requirements in Insulin-Dependent Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Assess evidence describing the effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on total daily insulin (TDI) requirements in insulin-dependent patients with type 2 diabetes.

DATA SOURCES

A scoping review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Protocols and Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The search was conducted in PubMed; citation mapping was completed in Web of Science. Filters for human studies, English language, and a publication date, from January 1, 2005 to April 12, 2021, were applied.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Studies assessing insulin dose requirements with concurrent use of an SGLT2 inhibitor for patients with type 2 diabetes were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Sixteen studies were included and demonstrated that addition of an SGLT2 inhibitor typically reduced TDI requirements. Insulin reductions were often statistically significant, occurring in studies evaluating (1) within subjects who received SGLT2 inhibitors, and (2) between subjects receiving SGLT2 inhibitors versus placebo. Compared with placebo, insulin dose reduction ranged from -0.72 to -19.2 units. However, studies were relatively small, not designed to assess TDI change, and some utilized fixed dose insulin protocols or empiric insulin dose reductions.

CONCLUSIONS

Lowering insulin requirements may have benefits, such as decreased hypoglycemia risk, insulin resistance, and cost. Addition of an SGLT2 inhibitor may modestly reduce TDI requirements for patients with type 2 diabetes. Evidence indicating SGLT2 inhibitor use reduces TDI may lead to additional implementation in practice and inform future research. Further research is needed to clarify insulin type (i.e., basal or prandial) and degree of TDI reduction expected with addition of an SGLT2 inhibitor.

Surprises in cardiology: efficacy of gliflozines in heart failure even in the absence of diabetes

It is now well-established that the therapy of type II diabetes mellitus has undergone a radical change in the past 15 years: countless innovative drugs, such as SGLT2I, able to guarantee an optimization of glycaemic control without causing hypoglycaemia, today represent real therapeutic cornerstones not only for the intrinsic ability of these molecules to ensure better glycaemic control but also for the effects they exert on the cardiovascular system. Several pioneering clinical trials, such as EMPA-REG, CANVAS, and DECLARE-TIMI-58, have demonstrated clear benefits of empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin, respectively, in reducing cardiovascular risk and diabetes-associated macrovascular complications in the diabetic population. The promising results that emerged from these trials represent the spark that triggered a series of studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of gliflozines in the treatment of patients with heart failure even in the absence of diabetes. Preliminary results confirm the efficacy of SGLT2I in the treatment of this population, representing a real therapeutic revolution.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor Use is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Heart Failure Hospitalization in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Real-World Study on a Diverse Urban Population

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence-based therapies exist for the management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) use in patients with systolic heart failure (HFrEF) and type-2-diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with improved cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine whether there is an association of SGLT2i use with improved CV outcomes in patients with HFpEF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a single-center, retrospective review of patients with HFpEF and T2DM. The cohort was divided into two groups based on prescription of a SGLT2i or sitagliptin. The primary outcome was heart failure hospitalization (HFH); secondary outcomes were all-cause hospitalization and acute kidney injury (AKI).

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, there were 250 patients (89 in the SGLT2i group, 161 in the sitagliptin group), with a mean follow-up of 295 days. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the SGLT2i group had a reduced risk of HFH versus the sitagliptin group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.05-0.36); p < 0.001). The SGLT2i group had a decreased risk of all-cause hospitalization (HR 0.48; 95% CI (0.33-0.70); p < 0.001) and SGLT2i had a lower risk of AKI (HR 0.39; 95% CI (0.20-0.74); p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of SGLT2is is associated with a reduced incidence of HFH and AKI in patients with HFpEF and T2DM.

SGLT-2 inhibitors: A step forward in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Heart failure (HF) is a major health problem with a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, quality of life and healthcare costs. Despite the positive impact of disease-modifying therapies developed over the last four decades, HF mortality and hospitalization remain high. We aim at reviewing the evidence supporting the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, as a novel strategy for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) treatment. The consistent observation of a reduction in HF hospitalizations in type-2 diabetes cardiovascular safety trials EMPA-REG OUTCOME, CANVAS, DECLARE-TIMI 58 and VERTIS raised the hypothesis that SGLT-2 inhibitors could have an impact in HF treatment. This hypothesis was first confirmed in 2019 with the DAPA-HF publication showing that dapagliflozin on top of optimized HFrEF therapy, reduced HF-hospitalizations and cardiovascular mortality. This was reinforced by the EMPEROR-Reduced publication in 2020 showing that empagliflozin on top of optimized HFrEF therapy, reduced HF-hospitalizations. Both studies established SGLT-2 inhibitors as a fourth pillar of HFrEF prognosis-modifying therapy, in addition to the gold standard triple neurohormonal modulation/blockade.

CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF NON-INSULIN GLUCOSE-LOWERING AGENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF TRIAL EVIDENCE AND POTENTIAL CARDIOPROTECTIVE MECHANISMS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highly prevalent and associated with a 2-fold increased mortality, mostly explained by cardiovascular diseases. Trial evidence on older glucose-lowering agents such as metformin and sulfonylureas is limited in terms of cardiovascular efficacy. Since 2008, after rosiglitazone was observed to increase the risk of myocardial infarction and heart failure (HF), cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT) have been required by regulators for licensing new glucose-lowering agents. In the following CVOTs, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) have been shown to be safe but not to improve morbidity/mortality, except for saxagliptin which increased the risk of HF. Several glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-Ra) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. SGLT2i have shown a class effect for the reduction in risk of HF events in patients with T2DM, leading to trials testing their efficacy/safety in HF regardless of T2DM. In the DAPA-HF and the EMPEROR-Reduced trials dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, respectively, improved cardiovascular mortality/morbidity in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), with and without T2DM. Therefore, these drugs are now key part of HFrEF pharmacotherapy. In the SOLOIST-WHF, sotagliflozin reduced cardiovascular mortality/morbidity in patients with T2DM and a recent acute episode of HF regardless of EF. The DELIVER and the EMPEROR-Preserved are testing dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, respectively, in patients with HF with mildly reduced and preserved EF. A strong renal protective role of SGLT2i has also emerged in trials enrolling patients with and without T2DM.

Management of Obesity in Cardiovascular Practice: JACC Focus Seminar

Obesity contributes to reduced life expectancy because of its link with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Yet, targeting this poorly diagnosed, ill-defined, and underaddressed modifiable risk factor remains a challenge. In this review, we emphasize that the tendency among health care professionals to amalgam all forms of obesity altogether as a single entity may contribute to such difficulties and discrepancies. Obesity is a heterogeneous condition both in terms of causes and health consequences. Attention should be given to 2 prevalent subgroups of individuals: 1) patients who are overweight or moderately obese with excess visceral adipose tissue; and 2) patients with severe obesity, the latter group having distinct additional health issues related to their large body fat mass. The challenge of tackling high-cardiovascular-risk forms of obesity through a combination of personalized clinical approaches and population-based solutions is compounded by the current obesogenic environment and economy.

Cardiovascular Outcome in Patients Treated With SGLT2 Inhibitors for Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are an emerging class of glucose-lowering drugs that have become increasingly relevant for the treatment and prevention of heart failure (HF). Therefore, we aimed to investigate various SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with established HF at baseline and focused on the different types of HF.

Methods: An extensive search of PubMed and Web of Science until January 2021 was done. Two reviewers, independently and in duplicate, applied the selection criteria. This meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SGLT2 inhibitors vs. a comparator in patients with HF reporting clinical outcomes were included. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of hospitalization for HF (HHF) or cardiovascular (CV) mortality. All-cause mortality, CV mortality, and HHF were considered as secondary endpoints. Subgroup analyses involving the status of diabetes, type of HF, administered type of SGLT2 inhibitor, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), cause of HF, and concomitant medication were performed.

Results: Seventeen RCTs, comprising a total of 20,749 participants, were included (n = 10,848 treated with SGLT2 inhibitors and n = 9,901 treated with a comparator). Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors in a HF population was associated with a 27% relative risk reduction (RRR) of HHF or CV mortality [risk ratio (RR) = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.68–0.78], 32% RRR of HHF (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.62–074), 18% RRR of CV mortality (RR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.73–0.91), and 17% RRR of all-cause mortality (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.75–0.91). The effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the primary endpoint was consistent among the different gliflozines. The effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the primary endpoint was independent of underlying diabetes mellitus, age, sex, BMI, renal function, and HF type.

Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with improved CV outcomes in patients with HF.

Highlights from Studies Presented at the Virtual American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions 2021: Staying Updated with the Latest Advancements in Prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review highlights late-breaking science presented at the Virtual American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions 2021 that demonstrated advancements in preventative cardiology and introduced novel therapeutic modalities for the management of chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and COVID-19.

RECENT FINDINGS

The studies reviewed include clinical trials that assessed the use of dapagliflozin in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 (DARE-19 trial); evinacumab for patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis; effect of genotype-guided oral P2y12 inhibitors vs conventional clopidogrel on long-term ischemic outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (TAILOR-PCI trial); anticoagulation in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 (ACTION trial); atorvastatin vs placebo in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU (INSPIRATION-S trial); rehabilitation therapy in older acute heart failure patients (REHAB-HF trial); and aspirin dosing: a patient-centric trial assessing benefits and long-term effectiveness (ADAPTABLE trial). In addition, we review the results of the American College of Cardiology Global Heart Attack Initiative (GHATI). Finally, we discuss the secondary analysis of the STRENGTH trial assessing the association of achieved levels of omega-3 fatty acid levels and major cardiovascular outcomes. The studies presented at the virtual American College of Cardiology Scientific Session 2021 represent remarkable contributions in the field of cardiovascular disease and prevention.

The Effects of Dapagliflozin in Patients With Heart Failure Complicated With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trials

Background

Cardiovascular disease threatens the health and quality of life of individuals, particularly those with type II diabetes. Recently, some studies have reported the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in reducing the rates of hospitalization or urgent visits, resulting in IV therapy for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We did a comprehensive search in electronic databases from inception through July 2020 for randomized-controlled trials, using the keywords “sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor”, “dapagliflozin”, “heart failure”, “cardiovascular outcomes”, “major adverse cardiovascular events”, “all-cause mortality”, and “cardiovascular death”. Random-effects summary odds ratios (OR) were constructed using M-L heterogeneity model.

Results

Five trials with 5,252 patients were ultimately included. The incidence of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) (n=4, OR=0.74; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.88; I2 = 0%) and all-cause mortality (ACM, n=4, OR=0.76; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.94; I2 = 0%); was reduced by dapagliflozin, respectively, in all heart failure patients, without obvious heterogeneity. The incidence of cardiovascular death in dapagliflozin was lower than that in placebo without statistically significant (CVD, n=5, OR=0.84; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.03; I2 = 0%). In HFrEF subgroup, dapagliflozin was associated with a reduced incidence of hospitalization for heart failure (n=4, OR=0.74; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.91; I2 = 0%), cardiovascular death (n=4, OR=0.72; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.91; I2 = 8%), and all-cause mortality (n=3, OR=0.70; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.99; I2 = 43%) without significant heterogeneity. In contrast, in the HFpEF subgroup, there was no difference in the incidence of cardiovascular death (n=2, OR=1.45; 95% CI, 0.95 to 2.22; I2 = 0%) and all-cause mortality (n=2, OR=1.04; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.43; I2 = 0%) between dapagliflozin and placebo.

Conclusion

In our study, dapagliflozin performed a statistical reduction in the rate of heart failure hospitalization, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF and diabetes. However, in the HFpEF subgroup, dapagliflozin did not show a significant cardiovascular protective effect.

[Gliflozins-in future cardioprotective drugs?]

Gliflozine (inhibitors of sodium-dependent glucose cotransporters, SGLT) are medications which were originally used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and are assigned to the group of antidiabetics. Since November 2020 the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin has been approved for the treatment of heart failure (with reduced left ventricular function) for the first time, independent of the diabetes status. The substance empagliflozin has just received an approval for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Therefore, different gliflozins are now available not only for the treatment of diabetes mellitus but also for the treatment of cardiac insufficiency. This article mediates fundamental knowledge on the gliflozins and provides an overview of the importance in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as cardioprotective and nephroprotective functions.

Optimising the Heart Failure Treatment Pathway: The Role of SGLT2 Inhibitors

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors were first developed as glucose-lowering therapies for the treatment of diabetes. However, these drugs have now been recognised to prevent worsening heart-failure events, improve health-related quality of life, and reduce mortality in people with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), including those both with and without diabetes. Despite robust clinical trial data demonstrating favourable outcomes with SGLT2 inhibitors for patients with HFrEF, there is a lack of familiarity with the HF indication for these drugs, which have been the remit of diabetologists to date. In this article we use consensus expert opinion alongside the available evidence and label indication to provide support for the healthcare community treating people with HF regarding positioning of SGLT2 inhibitors within the treatment pathway. By highlighting appropriate prescribing and practical considerations, we hope to encourage greater, and safe, use of SGLT2 inhibitors in this population.

Obesity and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Obese heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a distinct HFpEF phenotype. Sodium retention, high circulating neurohormone levels, alterations in energy substrate metabolism, group 3 pulmonary hypertension, pericardial restraint, and systemic inflammation are central pathophysiologic mechanisms. Confirming the diagnosis may be challenging and high suspicion is required. Reduction of visceral adipose tissue, via caloric restriction and/or bariatric surgery, may improve outcomes in obese HFpEF patients. Furthermore, mineralocorticoid receptor inhibition, neprilysin inhibition, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition can ameliorate the effects of adiposity on the cardiovascular system, allowing for promising new treatment targets for the obese HFpEF phenotype.

A Review of the Role of Type 2 Diabetes and SGLT2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Previous research has demonstrated that patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) are at an increased risk for cardiovascular events, including heart failure. Moreover, there's a higher risk of mortality in individuals who have both T2DM and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Although there are antidiabetic agents that have shown both cardiovascular safety and improved cardiovascular outcomes, only certain agents have been associated with heart failure benefits, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. This study aims to review the pathophysiology of HFpEF in the setting of T2DM, and more specifically the role of SGLT2 inhibitors in HFpEF outcomes.

Clinical Phenogroups in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for more than one-half of patients with heart failure. Effective treatment of HFpEF has not been established, largely because of the complexities and heterogeneity in the phenotypes of HFpEF. Categorizing patients based on clinical and pathophysiologic phenotype may provide more targeted and efficacious therapies. Despite this clinical need, there is no consensus on how to categorize patients with HFpEF into phenogroups. Possible metrics include the presence or absence of specific comorbidities that influence pathophysiology, imaging, hemodynamics, or other biomarkers. This article describes currently recognized phenotypes of HFpEF and potential treatment strategies.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor-induced euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

The number of patients receiving sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), especially those with heart failure, is increasing worldwide. SGLT2is control glycaemia by triggering glycosuria with simultaneous facilitation of a more ketogenic metabolic profile. Patients therefore are more prone to develop euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA), an entity largely unknown beyond diabetes care professionals. We present a heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patient with known Type 2 diabetes. He was treated with dapagliflozin and presented acutely with dyspnoea, hyperglycaemia, and ketoacidosis. After standard treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycaemia was corrected, while metabolic ketoacidosis persisted, and thus, euDKA was suspected. With adequate therapy, the patient recovered completely and was discharged without any sequelae. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first to describe SGLT2i-induced euDKA in HFpEF patients. Regarding no previous reports of euDKA in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, our report is highly relevant for ongoing SGLT2i trials in HFpEF and clinical practice in general.

Paradigm shift in heart failure treatment: are cardiologists ready to use gliflozins?

Despite recent advances in chronic heart failure (HF) therapy, the prognosis of HF patients remains poor, with high rates of HF rehospitalizations and death in the early months after discharge. This emphasizes the need for incorporating novel HF drugs, beyond the current approach (that of modulating the neurohumoral response). Recently, new antidiabetic oral medications (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i)) have been shown to improve prognosis in diabetic patients with previous cardiovascular (CV) events or high CV risk profile. Data from DAPA-HF study showed that dapaglifozin is associated with a significant reduction in mortality and HF hospitalization as compared with placebo regardless of diabetes status. Recently, results from EMPEROR-Reduced HF trial were consistent with DAPA-HF trial findings, showing significant beneficial effect associated with empagliflozin use in a high-risk HF population with markedly reduced ejection fraction. Results from the HF with preserved ejection fraction trials using these same agents are eagerly awaited. This review summarizes the evidence for the use of gliflozins in HF treatment.

SGLT-2 inhibitors: A step forward in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Heart failure (HF) is a major health problem with a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, quality of life and healthcare costs. Despite the positive impact of disease-modifying therapies developed over the last four decades, HF mortality and hospitalization remain high. We aim at reviewing the evidence supporting the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, as a novel strategy for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) treatment. The consistent observation of a reduction in HF hospitalizations in type-2 diabetes cardiovascular safety trials EMPA-REG OUTCOME, CANVAS, DECLARE-TIMI 58 and VERTIS raised the hypothesis that SGLT-2 inhibitors could have an impact in HF treatment. This hypothesis was first confirmed in 2019 with the DAPA-HF publication showing that dapagliflozin on top of optimized HFrEF therapy, reduced HF-hospitalizations and cardiovascular mortality. This was reinforced by the EMPEROR-Reduced publication in 2020 showing that empagliflozin on top of optimized HFrEF therapy, reduced HF-hospitalizations. Both studies established SGLT-2 inhibitors as a fourth pillar of HFrEF prognosis-modifying therapy, in addition to the gold standard triple neurohormonal modulation/blockade.

Cardiologist's approach to the diabetic patient: No further delay for a paradigm shift

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is constantly increasing worldwide and its most critical determinant of morbidity and mortality is still represented by cardiovascular (CV) complications. For years, cardiologists' approach to diabetic patients has been focused on risk factors optimization, with positive results. However, the management of DM per se was never truly considered in order to obtain prevention from major CV events, because medications used for glycemic control were not expected to gain CV benefit. Early trials concerning intensive versus conventional glycemia control did not prove useful in reducing the number of CV events. The introduction of new molecules led to a game change in DM treatment, as some new glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs), such as sodium-glucose linked transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), showed not only to be safe but also to ensure CV benefit. A combination of anti-atherogenic effects and hemodynamic improvements are likely explanations of the observed reduction of CV events and mortality. These evidence opened a completely new era in the field of GLDs and of DM treatment. Nonetheless, the presence of residual cardiovascular risk despite optimal medical therapy remains an issue and an aggressive strategy against multiple risk factors is suggested. A paradigm shift toward a new approach to DM management should be made with no further delay with the use of medications that may prevent CV events in an integrated strategy of CV risk reduction.

[SGLT2 inhibitors: A new era for our patients]

Since 2015, 10 randomized clinical trials assessed the cardiovascular safety of SGLT2 inhibitors, and then assessed the potential renal and cardiovascular benefits of these drugs (EMPAREG Outcome, CANVAS, DECLARE, DAPA-HF, CREDENCE, EMPEROR-reduced, VERTIS, DAPA-CKD, SCORED, SOLOIST-WHF) in over 88,000 patients. The results of EMPAREG Outcome showed major renal and cardiovascular protection but they were unexpected. The other trials regarding the effects of dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, empagliflozin and more recently sotagliflozin have confirmed most of these results and extended them to other populations. There is no scientific doubt that these drugs confer a marked renal protection in patients already treated with renin angiotensin system blockers (reduction of the risk of end-stage renal disease: -35 to 40%) et reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (-30 to 35%), especially in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The benefit/risk profile is highly favorable but minor (genital candidosis, urinary tract infections, euglycemic acido-ketosis) and serious (Fournier gangrene) side effects must not be forgotten. Renal protection is twice the effect of renin angiotensin system blockers, and is maintained in patients already treated with them, in patients with GFR 25mL/min/1.73m² and over, regardless of whether they have type 2 diabetes mellitus or not (of note, patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, polycystic kidney disease, lupus and vasculitis were excluded in these studies). Reduction of the incidence of heart failure is similar to that observed with sacubitril/valsartan, and is maintained in patients already treated with sacubitril/valsartan. SGLT2 inhibitors have now defined a new standard of care, and it will be necessary to explore the proper use of the new mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone that demonstrated significant renal and cardiovascular protection in mostly SGLT2 inhibitors-untreated diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (or even some GLP-1 agonists). A new era for our patients.

Universal definition and classification of heart failure: a report of the Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, Japanese Heart Failure Society and Writing Committee of the Universal Definition of Heart Failure: Endorsed by the Canadian Heart Failure Society, Heart Failure Association of India, Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, and Chinese Heart Failure Association

In this document, we propose a universal definition of heart failure (HF) as a clinical syndrome with symptoms and/or signs caused by a structural and/or functional cardiac abnormality and corroborated by elevated natriuretic peptide levels and/or objective evidence of pulmonary or systemic congestion. We also propose revised stages of HF as: At risk for HF (Stage A), Pre-HF (Stage B), Symptomatic HF (Stage C) and Advanced HF (Stage D). Finally, we propose a new and revised classification of HF according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This includes HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): symptomatic HF with LVEF ≤40%; HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF): symptomatic HF with LVEF 41-49%; HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): symptomatic HF with LVEF ≥50%; and HF with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF): symptomatic HF with a baseline LVEF ≤40%, a ≥10 point increase from baseline LVEF, and a second measurement of LVEF > 40%.

Universal Definition and Classification of Heart Failure: A Report of the Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, Japanese Heart Failure Society and Writing Committee of the Universal Definition of Heart Failure

In this document, we propose a universal definition of heart failure (HF) as the following: HF is a clinical syndrome with symptoms and or signs caused by a structural and/or functional cardiac abnormality and corroborated by elevated natriuretic peptide levels and or objective evidence of pulmonary or systemic congestion. We propose revised stages of HF as follows. At-risk for HF (Stage A), for patients at risk for HF but without current or prior symptoms or signs of HF and without structural or biomarkers evidence of heart disease. Pre-HF (stage B), for patients without current or prior symptoms or signs of HF, but evidence of structural heart disease or abnormal cardiac function, or elevated natriuretic peptide levels. HF (Stage C), for patients with current or prior symptoms and/or signs of HF caused by a structural and/or functional cardiac abnormality. Advanced HF (Stage D), for patients with severe symptoms and/or signs of HF at rest, recurrent hospitalizations despite guideline-directed management and therapy (GDMT), refractory or intolerant to GDMT, requiring advanced therapies such as consideration for transplant, mechanical circulatory support, or palliative care. Finally, we propose a new and revised classification of HF according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The classification includes HF with reduced EF (HFrEF): HF with an LVEF of ≤40%; HF with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF): HF with an LVEF of 41% to 49%; HF with preserved EF (HFpEF): HF with an LVEF of ≥50%; and HF with improved EF (HFimpEF): HF with a baseline LVEF of ≤40%, a ≥10-point increase from baseline LVEF, and a second measurement of LVEF of >40%.

Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure in Diabetes

The cardiovascular disease continuum begins with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (DM), progresses to vasculopathy and myocardial dysfunction, and finally ends with cardiovascular death. Diabetes is associated with a 2- to 4-fold increased risk for heart failure (HF). Moreover, HF patients with DM have a worse prognosis than those without DM. Diabetes can cause myocardial ischemia via micro- and macrovasculopathy and can directly exert deleterious effects on the myocardium. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance can cause alterations in vascular homeostasis. Then, reduced nitric oxide and increased reactive oxygen species levels favor inflammation leading to atherothrombotic progression and myocardial dysfunction. The classification, diagnosis, and treatment of HF for a patient with and without DM remain the same. Until now, drugs targeting neurohumoral and metabolic pathways improved mortality and morbidity in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Therefore, all HFrEF patients should receive guideline-directed medical therapy. By contrast, drugs modulating neurohumoral activity did not improve survival in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. Trials investigating whether sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are effective in HFpEF are on-going. This review will summarize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of HF in diabetes.

Shift of conventional paradigm of heart failure treatment: from angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor to sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors?

Current clinical guidelines for heart failure (HF) contain a brand new therapeutic strategy for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which is based on neurohumoral modulation through the use of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors. There is a large body of evidence for the fact that sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors may significantly improve all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization for HF in patients with HFrEF who received renin-angiotensin system blockers including angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors, β-blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. The review discusses that sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors have a wide spectrum of favorable molecular effects and contribute to tissue protection, improving survival in HFrEF patients.