Medical Therapy for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a challenging disease state that has long been plagued by heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria and underlying etiologies. Due in part to the complexity of defining this disease and the simplistic approach of only studying medications that have shown significant improvement in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there have been a multitude of negative trials in this population. In the past few years, however, there have been medications that have finally shown to benefit patients with HFpEF. In particular, the blockbuster class of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors have provided a treatment option that improves outcomes in this group of patients. There is increasing focus on HFpEF research that aims to improve the phenotyping of these patients to more successfully tailor therapy and improve patient outcomes.