Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and heart failure: the best timing for the right patient

Current Approaches to Worsening Heart Failure: Pathophysiological and Molecular Insights

Worsening heart failure (WHF) is a severe and dynamic condition characterized by significant clinical and hemodynamic deterioration. It is characterized by worsening HF signs, symptoms and biomarkers, despite the achievement of an optimized medical therapy. It remains a significant challenge in cardiology, as it evolves into advanced and end-stage HF. The hyperactivation of the neurohormonal, adrenergic and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are well known pathophysiological pathways involved in HF. Several drugs have been developed to inhibit the latter, resulting in an improvement in life expectancy. Nevertheless, patients are exposed to a residual risk of adverse events, and the exploration of new molecular pathways and therapeutic targets is required. This review explores the current landscape of WHF, highlighting the complexities and factors contributing to this critical condition. Most recent medical advances have introduced cutting-edge pharmacological agents, such as guanylate cyclase stimulators and myosin activators. Regarding device-based therapies, invasive pulmonary pressure measurement and cardiac contractility modulation have emerged as promising tools to increase the quality of life and reduce hospitalizations due to HF exacerbations. Recent innovations in terms of WHF management emphasize the need for a multifaceted and patient-centric approach to address the complex HF syndrome.

Current Role of SLGT2 Inhibitors in the Management of the Whole Spectrum of Heart Failure: Focus on Dapagliflozin

Heart failure (HF) is associated with a high morbidity and mortality burden. In light of more recent evidence, SGLT2 inhibitors are currently recommended as first-line therapy in managing patients with HF, regardless of ejection fraction, to reduce HF burden. The DAPA-HF and DELIVER trials, and particularly, the pooled analysis of both studies, have shown that dapagliflozin significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular death, all-cause death, total HF hospitalizations, and MACE in the whole spectrum of HF, with sustained benefits over time. Recent data have shown that the full implementation of dapagliflozin in clinical practice would translate into a robust reduction in hospitalizations for HF and death in real-life populations. Many pathophysiological mechanisms have been involved in these benefits, particularly the positive effects of dapagliflozin on reversing cardiac (atrial and ventricular) remodeling, reducing cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, and improving endothelial dysfunction. In this manuscript, we reviewed from a practical point of view the role of dapagliflozin in the management of the whole spectrum of patients with HF.

Sizing SGLT2 Inhibitors Up: From a Molecular to a Morpho-Functional Point of View

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), or gliflozins, have recently been shown to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization in patients with heart failure, representing a revolutionary therapeutic tool. The purpose of this review is to explore their multifaceted mechanisms of actions, beyond their known glucose reduction power. The cardioprotective effects of gliflozins seem to be linked to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and to an action on the main metabolic pathways. They improve the oxygen supply for cardiomyocytes with a considerable impact on both functional and morphological myocardial aspects. Moreover, multiple molecular actions of SGLT2i are being discovered, such as the reduction of both inflammation, oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis, all responsible for myocardial damage. Various studies showed controversial results concerning the role of SGLT2i in reverse cardiac remodeling and the lowering of natriuretic peptides, suggesting that their overall effect has yet to be fully understood. In addition to this, advanced imaging studies evaluating the effect on all four cardiac chambers are lacking. Further studies will be needed to better understand the real impact of their administration, their use in daily practice and how they can contribute to benefits in terms of reverse cardiac remodeling.

SGLT2 Inhibitors vs. GLP-1 Agonists to Treat the Heart, the Kidneys and the Brain

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1-R) agonists are novel therapeutic agents used for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, large-scale randomized clinical trials have been conducted to assess the cardiovascular safety of these medications. The findings of these trials have revealed that both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1-R agonists exhibit favorable cardioprotective effects, including reduction in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, a decreased risk of chronic kidney disease progression, a decrease in hospitalization for heart failure (HF), an effect shown by SGLT2 inhibitors, and stroke prevention, an effect shown by GLP-1-R agonists. Based on the results from above studies, the European and American Diabetes Associations have issued new recommendations strongly endorsing the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1-R agonists in combination with metformin for patients with T2DM who have additional cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities or risk factors. The primary aim of this combined therapy is to prevent CV events. Although both medication groups offer beneficial effects, they demonstrate slightly different profiles. SGLT2 inhibitors have exhibited better effects regarding a reduced incidence of HF, whereas GLP-1-R agonists have shown a reduced risk of CV events, particularly stroke. Moreover, recent European Society of Cardiology as well as American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines of HF treatment stressed the importance of SGLT2 inhibitor administration in patients with HF regardless of T2DM. In this context, we present and discuss the outcomes of the most recent trials investigating the impact of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1-R agonists on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients, both with and without T2DM. Additionally, we explore the synergistic effects of combining SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1-R agonists in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Heart Failure Pharmacological Management: Gaps and Current Perspectives

Proper therapeutic management of patients with heart failure (HF) is a major challenge for cardiologists. Current guidelines indicate to start therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ACEi/ARNI), beta blockers (BB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization due to HF. However, certain aspects still need to be defined. Current guidelines propose therapeutic algorithms based on left ventricular ejection fraction values and clinical presentations. However, these last do not always reflect the precise hemodynamic status of patients and pathophysiological mechanisms involved, particularly in the acute setting. Even in the field of chronic management there are still some critical points to discuss. The guidelines do not specify which of the four pillar drugs to start first, nor at what dosage. Some authors suggest starting with SGLT2i and BB, others with ACEi or ARNI, while one of the most recent approach proposes to start with all four drugs together at low doses. The aim of this review is to revise current gaps and perspectives regarding pharmacological therapy management in HF patients, in both the acute and chronic phase.

Individualizing the treatment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a journey from hospitalization to long-term outpatient care

INTRODUCTION

: Despite the relevant advances achieved thanks to the traditional step-by-step therapeutic approach, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of HFrEF is complex, with the implication of various neurohormonal systems, including activation of deleterious pathways (i.e. renin-angiotensin-aldosterone, sympathetic, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 [SGLT2] systems) and the inhibition of protective pathways (i.e. natriuretic peptides and the guanylate cyclase system). Therefore, the burden of HF can only be reduced through a comprehensive approach that involves all evidence-based use of available HF drugs targeting the neurohormonal systems involved.

AREAS COVERED

: We performed a critical analysis of evidence from recent clinical trials and assessed the effects of HF therapies on hemodynamics and renal function.

EXPERT OPINION

: HF therapy must be adapted to the clinical profile (i.e. congestion, blood pressure, heart rate, renal function, and electrolytes). Consequently, blood pressure is reduced by beta blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, sacubitril/valsartan, and, minimally, by SGLT2 inhibitors and vericiguat; heart rate decreases with beta blockers and ivabradine; and renal function is impaired and potassium are levels increased with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and sacubitril/valsartan. Practical recommendations on how to individualize HF therapy according to patient profile are provided.

Multimorbidity and combined interventions for patients with coronary heart disease in Chinese population: Latent class analysis of a multi-center study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study aimed to explore the profile of multimorbidity phenotype clusters and their discrepancy in mortality and the efficiency of combined interventions on blood pressure, glucose and lipid in each cluster.

METHODS

Fine and Gray competing risk regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the association between multimorbidity and mortality and rehospitalization. Fine and Gray competing risk regression models and subgroup analyses were used to estimate the relations between combined interventions and mortality.

RESULTS

Three distinct multimorbidity clusters were observed: Class 1 named severe class, Class 2 termed moderate class, and Class 3 named mild class. Competing risk regression models revealed that patients in Class 1 have the greatest burden of mortality and rehospitalization compared to Class 3 after confounder adjustment, with HRs 1.43 (95% CI 1.30-1.56, P < 0.001) and 2.97 (95% CI 2.74-3.21, P < 0.001), respectively. The patients in Class 2 have moderate risk of mortality and rehospitalization compared to Class 3 after confounder adjustment, with HRs 1.41 (95% CI 1.30-1.52, P < 0.001) and 2.39 (95% CI 2.23-2.56, P < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, we found that combined interventions on blood pressure, glucose and lipid simultaneously could further benefit on survival compared to each individual intervention or two in combine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that multimorbidity among patients with CHD was common and increased the risks of death and rehospitalization. Three multimorbidity clusters that were significantly associated with death and rehospitalization were identified. Simultaneous intervention on blood pressure, glucose and lipid level may further benefit CHD patient in survival.

Clinical Support through Telemedicine in Heart Failure Outpatients during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period: Results of a 12-Months Follow Up

Background: Heart failure (HF) patients are predisposed to recurrences and disease destabilizations, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak period. In this scenario, telemedicine could be a proper way to ensure continuous care. The purpose of the study was to compare two modalities of HF outpatients’ follow up, the traditional in-person visits and telephone consultations, during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Italy. Methods: We conducted an observational study on consecutive HF outpatients. The follow up period was 12 months, starting from the beginning of the COVID-19 Italy lockdown. According to the follow up modality, and after the propensity matching score, patients were divided into two groups: those in G1 (n = 92) were managed with traditional in-person visits and those in G2 (n = 92) were managed with telephone consultation. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were the primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints were overall mortality, cardiovascular death, cardiovascular hospitalization, and hospitalization due to HF. Results: No significant differences between G1 and G2 have been observed regarding MACE (p = 0.65), cardiovascular death (p = 0.39), overall mortality (p = 0.85), hospitalization due to acute HF (p = 0.07), and cardiovascular hospitalization (p = 0.4). Survival analysis performed by the Kaplan–Meier method also did not show significant differences between G1 and G2. Conclusions: Telephone consultations represented a valid option to manage HF outpatients during COVID-19 pandemic, comparable to traditional in-person visits.

SGLT2 Inhibitors in Diabetic Patients With Cardiovascular Disease or at High Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective

To investigate the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with diabetes with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or at high cardiovascular risk.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Data sources

Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrial.gov from their inception to August 28, 2021.

Review methods

Randomized control trials (RCTs) assess the effects of SGLT2i in patients with diabetes with cardiovascular disease or at high cardiovascular risk. Primary outcomes included the composite outcome of cardiovascular death (CV death) and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), HHF, and renal composite outcomes. Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), CV death, all-cause mortality, and change from the baseline in HbA1c. Additionally, we assessed the effects of treatment in prespecified subgroups on the combined risk of primary and secondary outcomes. These subgroups were based on history of heart failure (HF), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels, and history of hypertension (HTN). A meta-analysis was carried out by using fixed effect models to calculate hazard ratio (HR) or mean difference (MD) between the SGLT2i administrated groups and the control groups.

Results

Four major studies (n = 42,568) were included. Primary outcomes showed that SGLT2i was associated with significantly lower risk of CV death/HHF (HR, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.84 to 0.98; P for heterogeneity = 0.01), HHF (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.98; p = 0.02), and renal composite outcomes (HR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.74 to 0.92; p = 0.0007) in patients with diabetes with CVD or at high CV risk. Secondary outcome showed that the use of SGLT2i was associated with significant reduction of the HbA1c level (MD, −0.30; 95% CI, −0.36 to −0.23; p < 0.00001). In subgroup analyses, SGLT2i significantly reduced the risk of renal composite outcomes in patients without history of HF (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.91; p = 0.003 < 0.025). No statistically significant differences were observed in other secondary outcomes and subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

The SGLT2i showed benefits on CV death/HHF, HHF, renal composite outcomes, and HbA1c reduction in patients with diabetes with CVD or at high CV risk. The benefits of improving renal composite outcomes were observed only in patients with diabetes without HF history.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO CRD42021227400

SGLT2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure-A Concise Review

The incidence of both diabetes mellitus type 2 and heart failure is rapidly growing, and the diseases often coexist. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new antidiabetic drug class that mediates epithelial glucose transport at the renal proximal tubules, inhibiting glucose absorption—resulting in glycosuria—and therefore improving glycemic control. Recent trials have proven that SGLT2i also improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes, including reduced cardiovascular mortality and fewer hospitalizations for heart failure. Reduced preload and afterload, improved vascular function, and changes in tissue sodium and calcium handling may also play a role. The expected paradigm shift in treatment strategies was reflected in the most recent 2021 guidelines published by the European Society of Cardiology, recommending dapagliflozin and empagliflozin as first-line treatment for heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. Moreover, the recent results of the EMPEROR-Preserved trial regarding empagliflozin give us hope that there is finally an effective treatment for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of these new anti-glycemic oral agents in the management of diabetic and heart failure patients.

Do the Current Guidelines for Heart Failure Diagnosis and Treatment Fit with Clinical Complexity?

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome defined by specific symptoms and signs due to structural and/or functional heart abnormalities, which lead to inadequate cardiac output and/or increased intraventricular filling pressure. Importantly, HF becomes progressively a multisystemic disease. However, in August 2021, the European Society of Cardiology published the new Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic HF, according to which the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) continues to represent the pivotal parameter for HF patients’ evaluation, risk stratification and therapeutic management despite its limitations are well known. Indeed, HF has a complex pathophysiology because it first involves the heart, progressively becoming a multisystemic disease, leading to multiorgan failure and death. In these terms, HF is comparable to cancer. As for cancer, surviving, morbidity and hospitalisation are related not only to the primary neoplastic mass but mainly to the metastatic involvement. In HF, multiorgan involvement has a great impact on prognosis, and multiorgan protective therapies are equally important as conventional cardioprotective therapies. In the light of these considerations, a revision of the HF concept is needed, starting from its definition up to its therapy, to overcome the old and simplistic HF perspective.

An update on diabetes spectrum in heart failure: current evidence and potential therapeutic applications

This is an introduction to this special issue on diabetes and heart failure (HF). The issue deals with the primary features and key questions regarding the coexistence of diabetes and heart failure. Evidence for most treatments of this disease state comes from post hoc analysis of clinical trials and registries. Recent evidence shows a significant decrease in HF-related events with the newer antidiabetic agents. Therefore, in this issue, we briefly summarize the most relevant cardiovascular outcome trials supporting the use of newer antidiabetic drugs beyond traditional glucose-lowering agents. Notably, this issue focuses on the important effects of antidiabetic drugs in specific population, namely, the elderly; patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction; and patients with pulmonary hypertension, as well as specific conditions related to muscle, pulmonary, and renal metabolism.