TRED Lightly: Should Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy be Continued Indefinitely in Everyone?

The TRED-HF trial considerably narrowed the population deemed as being low risk for heart failure relapse following the withdrawal of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). However, several key subgroups were underrepresented and some patients may still wish to attempt GDMT withdrawal, especially in the setting of adverse effects or excess costs. In this post, we explore three questions that can be used to guide a shared decision-making process regarding GDMT withdrawal.

Understanding the IMPACT(-HF) of Initiating GDMT Prior to Discharge

Although admitted patients with heart failure often have acute medical issues (e.g. acute kidney injury, acute decompensation) that may preclude them from certain therapies, many are appropriate candidates for guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) before they leave the hospital. This blog discusses the importance of initiating GDMT prior to discharge, whenever possible.

Transitions Squared: Transitioning Sacubitril/Valsartan at Transitions of Care

One of the questions that remained unanswered after the PARADIGM-HF trial was whether the angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril/valsartan could be safely initiated in patients with acute decompensated heart failure who had been previously stabilized on an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker. In this blog, Dr. Reed discusses the implications of the PIONEER-HF and TRANSITION studies, and provides a practical strategy for transitioning patients to sacubitril/valsartan.

Titration of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction and an “At-Goal” Blood Pressure

Initiation and titration of guideline-directed medical therapy is paramount for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), as it reduces the risk of death and other complications. Despite this, many patients do not receive the appropriate therapies or doses due to concerns and/or misconceptions about the use of these therapies. One reason often cited for not using or titrating inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system is that blood pressure is already “at goal” or is “too low”. In this blog, the data surrounding titration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and the angiotensin II receptor blocker/neprilysin inhibitor in patients with HFrEF will be addressed.

Novel Potassium-Lowering Agents in Combination with Chronic Heart Failure Therapies

Agents such as patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate can reduce serum potassium concentrations. But do they have a role in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)? In this piece, we explore whether these agents could reduce the risk of hyperkalemia when initiating, continuing, or dose-titrating guideline-directed medical therapies in HFrEF.