Selecting Optimal First-line Therapy for Patients Diagnosed with Heart Failure

EP: 1.Identifying Key Risk Factors for Heart Failure

EP: 2.Socioeconomic Factors Impacting Development of Cardiac Disease

EP: 3.Distinguishing Between Heart Failure Classifications

EP: 4.Staging Heart Failure and the Importance of Early Diagnosis

EP: 5.The Role of the Primary Care Physician in Heart Failure Management

EP: 6.Four Pillars of Heart Failure Therapy

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EP: 7.Selecting Optimal First-line Therapy for Patients Diagnosed with Heart Failure

EP: 8.Key Takeaways From Heart Failure Clinical Trials

EP: 9.Navigating the Patient Journey Through Heart Failure Diagnosis

EP: 10.Strategies for Treating Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

EP: 11.Treatment Optimization Challenges Associated With Heart Failure

EP: 12.Financial Barriers Impeding Optimal Heart Failure Treatment

EP: 13.Trajectory of Heart Failure Treatment Strategies

EP: 14.Key Takeaways from Experts in Heart Failure Management

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Robert Groves, MD; Eugene E. Wright Jr, MD; Nancy Albert, PhD; Nihar Desai, MD, MPH; and Kelly Marie Axsom, MD. The panel discusses treatment approaches for midrange ejection fraction heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Albert notes there is no single approach; it depends on the individual patient. However, evidence supports, in some patients, starting all 4 pillar medications (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors [ARNIs], angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]; evidence-based beta blockers [metoprolol succinate, bisoprolol, carvedilol]; mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists [MRAs; spironolactone, eplerenone]; and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 [SGLT2] inhibitors [dapagliflozin, empagliflozin]) within 2 weeks and optimizing doses within 1 month. Monitoring kidney function, potassium, and sodium guides safe intensification. The approach should be urgent, avoiding a “stable” mindset. Desai emphasizes the mortality benefits of quadruple therapy in HFrEF, yet real-world data shows only 1% of heart failure (HF) patients receive guideline-directed triple therapy. Like cancer, HF requires rapid multidrug therapy, not an incremental “start low, go slow” approach. The stakes are high to close evidence-practice gaps. Axsom draws an analogy to cancer and HF both being chronic life-threatening diseases demanding rapid treatment. Wright notes the multidirectional relationship between conditions like HF, kidney disease, and diabetes, requiring combined management.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC editorial staff.