Heart failure (HF), a chronic and progressive disease, is increasing in prevalence worldwide and is associated with increased hospitalizations and death. Despite notable improvements in medical therapy for HF, patients are still at risk of future negative outcomes. Current guidelines recommend four classes of medication for treating patients with HF, deemed guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). The use and adherence of these GDMTs serve as a major predictor of outcomes in those with chronic HF; however, implementation of therapy remains poor, despite substantial evidence of benefit. The acute hospitalization for HF and the subsequent vulnerable period serve as important milestones for adequate disease modification, and implementing a strategy for aggressive medical therapy can improve HF outcomes. Current guidelines also recommend that follow-up with multidisciplinary chronic disease management specific to HF be provided to those living with heart failure, which is essential for improving readmissions and mortality. This follow-up, although important by itself, serves as an important avenue for disease modification through medication titration, and implementing such structured follow-up is essential for further population-wide improvements in HF mortality. In this context, the STRONG-HF trial investigators developed an implementation trial providing evidence for the rapid inpatient initiation and subsequent titration of HF GDMT, demonstrating the importance of implementation strategies in the care of HF patients. In this narrative review, we review the evidence base for treating patients with HF, highlight deficits in our current real-world experience, and provide support for trial evidence like STRONG-HF in the global fight to reduce the burden of HF.

Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern, with an increasing incidence among younger populations. Traditionally, HF was considered a condition primarily affecting the elderly, but of late, emerging evidence hints at a rapidly rising HF incidence in youth in the past 2 decades. HF in youth has been linked to a complex interaction between emerging risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome, environmental exposures, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle behaviors. This review examines these evolving determinants, including substance abuse, autoimmune diseases, and the long-term cardiovascular effects of coronavirus disease 2019, which disproportionately affect younger individuals. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study highlights the importance of early detection, targeted prevention strategies, and multidisciplinary management approaches to address this alarming trend. Promoting awareness and integrating age-specific interventions could significantly reduce the burden of HF and improve long-term outcomes among younger populations.

As expensive therapeutics rise to the fore of heart failure management, out-of-pocket (OOP) medication costs have become increasingly relevant to patient care. Prescription medication costs influence medical decision-making and affect adherence. Yet, individualized cost estimates are seldom available during clinical encounters when prescription decisions are made. The lack of transparency around medication costs prohibits cost-sensitive shared decision-making and can lead to financial toxicity and delays in therapeutic management. Upcoming policy changes will affect the availability and affordability of heart failure medications in the United States, such as the implementation of a $2,000 cap on OOP drug spending for Medicare Part D Plans in 2025. This state-of-the-art review summarizes the current landscape of cost transparency efforts using heart failure management guidelines and the U.S. health care system as an illustrative example. Understanding the variables involved in determining medication costs and the resources available to reduce OOP cost are paramount for heart failure clinicians and their patients worldwide.

This study aims to evaluate the worldwide variations in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), using an HF survey distributed internationally to physicians, including both cardiologists and non-cardiologists.

A group of HF specialists designed an independent, academic web-based survey focusing on HFpEF care and diagnosis, which was distributed via scientific societies and various social networks between 1 May 2023 and 1 July 2023. The survey included 1459 physicians (1242 cardiologists and 217 non-cardiologists) from 91 countries, with a mean age of 42 (34-49) years and 61% male. Most physicians (89.2%) defined HFpEF as left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%. Significant regional variations were observed in HFpEF management (P < 0.001 for all comparisons unless stated otherwise). Cardiologists managed 63.1% of HFpEF patients overall, with significant variability across regions (P < 0.001). The estimated HFpEF prevalence was highest in Eastern Asia and Western Europe and lowest in Africa and South America. Diagnostic practices varied: natriuretic peptide use ranged from 70%-74% in Africa to 95%-97% in Southern/Western Europe. Echocardiographic parameters showed regional differences, with diastolic stress testing used most in South-Eastern Asia (47% vs. 13-36% elsewhere). HFpEF scoring systems were most common in South-Eastern Asia (78%) and least in Africa (30.1%). Coronary artery disease screening approaches differed, with Eastern Asian physicians more likely to always perform routine angiograms (52%) compared with Northern Europeans (12%). Treatment preferences also varied regionally. Sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) was the preferred first-line treatment (45%-70% across regions), followed by diuretics. In an ideal setting, 52% would primarily use SGLT2i, 33% loop diuretics, and 22% beta-blockers. Drug availability differed significantly: SGLT2i was most available (88% overall), while ARNI was least available (61%). South America and Middle Eastern/Northern Africa reported lower availability of guideline-directed therapies. Multidisciplinary HF programmes were most common in Asia (70%) and least in Africa (24%). The perceived benefit of atrial flow regulator devices also showed significant regional differences.

There are considerable global variations in the diagnosis and management of HFpEF. Most physicians favour SGLT2i despite regional disparities in health care resources and guideline adherence. Harmonized practices and improved access to comprehensive care can enhance outcomes of HFpEF patients worldwide.

Outcomes of hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF) and characteristics of advanced HF stage may vary across left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and world regions.

This study sought to analyze characteristics of hospitalized advanced HF patients across LVEF spectrum, world regions, and country income.

Among 18,553 hospitalized patients with acute HF (7,902 new-onset HF and 10,651 decompensated chronic HF) enrolled in the global registry REPORT-HF (International Registry to Assess Medical Practice With Longitudinal Observation for Treatment of Heart Failure), the authors analyzed characteristics and outcomes of patients with advanced HF, defined as previously diagnosed HF; severe symptoms before current admission (NYHA functional class III/IV); and ≥1 HF-related hospitalization in the preceding 12 months, excluding the current. Differences among hospitalized advanced HF subgroups stratified by LVEF, world region, and country income were examined.

Among 6,999 patients with decompensated chronic HF and available previous NYHA functional class and HF hospitalization status, 3,397 (48.5%; 18.3% of the total population) had advanced HF. Of these, 44.5% had severely reduced (≤30%), 34.9% mildly/moderately reduced (31%-49%), and 20.7% preserved (≥50%) LVEF. Patients from Eastern Europe had the lowest 1-year mortality (23%), whereas those from Southeast Asia had the highest (37%). Patients from lower-middle-income countries were younger, with shorter HF duration and lower comorbidity prevalence, received fewer beta-blockers and HF-devices, and had higher 1-year mortality (34%) than upper-middle-income (26%) or high-income countries (27%; P = 0.018). Adjusted 1-year mortality risk did not differ among LVEF subgroups (all P > 0.05), nor did 1-year HF hospitalization rate (P = 0.56).

Hospitalized patients with advanced HF and preserved LVEF had similarly adverse outcomes as those with reduced LVEF. Patients from lower-middle-income countries had less implementation of HF therapies and higher 1-year mortality.

A polypill-based implementation strategy has been proposed to increase rates of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. This has the potential to improve mortality and morbidity in India and undertreated populations globally.

We conducted a convergent parallel mixed methods study integrating quantitative data from stakeholder surveys using modified implementation science outcome measures and qualitative data from key informant in-depth interviews. Our objective was to explore physician, nurse, pharmacist, and patient perspectives on a HFrEF polypill implementation strategy in India from January 2021 to April 2021. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to develop an Implementation Research Logic Model.

Among 69 respondents to the stakeholder survey, there was moderate acceptability (mean [SD] 3.8 [1.0]), appropriateness (3.6 [1.0]), and feasibility (3.7 [1.0]) of HFrEF polypill implementation strategy. Participants in the key-informant in-depth interviews (n = 20) highlighted numerous relative advantages of the HFrEF polypill innovation including potential to simplify medication regimens and improve patient adherence. Key relative disadvantages elucidated, include concerns about side effects and interruption of multiple GDMT medications due to polypill discontinuation for side effects or hospitalizations. Based on this data, the proposed implementation strategies in the Implementation Research Logic Model include 1) HFrEF polypills, 2) HFrEF polypill initiation, titration, and maintenance protocols, and 3) HFrEF polypill laboratory monitoring protocols for safety which we postulate will lead to desired clinical and implementation outcomes through multiple mechanisms including increased medication adherence to a single pill.

This study demonstrates that a HFrEF polypill-based implementation strategy is considered acceptable, feasible, and appropriate among healthcare providers in India. We identified contextually relevant determinants, strategies, mechanism, and outcomes outlined in an Implementation Research Logic Model to inform future research to improve heart failure care in South Asia.

Heart failure poses a global health challenge affecting millions of individuals, and access to guideline-directed medical therapy is often limited. This limitation is frequently attributed to factors such as drug availability, slow adoption, clinical inertia, and delayed diagnosis. Despite international recommendations promoting the use of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure management, personalized approaches are essential in settings with resource constraints. In India, crucial treatments like angiotensin II receptor blocker neprilysin inhibitors and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are not fully utilized despite their established safety and efficacy. To address this issue, an expert consensus involving 150 specialists, including cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists, was convened. They deliberated on patient profiles, monitoring, and adverse side effects and provided tailored recommendations for guideline-directed medical therapy in heart failure management. Stressing the significance of early initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with heart failure, especially with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, the consensus also explored innovative therapies like vericiguat. To improve heart failure outcomes in resource-limited settings, the experts proposed several measures, including enhanced patient education, cardiac rehabilitation, improved drug access, and reforms in healthcare policies.

In a context of heparin shortage, we studied the wasted quantities in three intensive care units (ICU) of a university hospital where two electric syringe pump (ESP) heparin protocols coexist (20,000UI/48mL used in the cardiology ICU and 25,000UI/50mL use in the medical and surgical ICUs).

We performed a prospective observational study of patients treated with heparin ESP. We collected the information recorded in the prescription software connected to the ESP (dosage, start time, infusion rate, interruption times, date and time of end of treatment). We observed the ESPs, noted the time of start written on the label and the quantity remaining, and questioned nurses about the constraints that lead for changing the ESPs.

Between 23/03/23 and 19/05/23, 164 vials of 25,000UI/5mL were used. The wasted quantity was equivalent 42 vials: 18 vials (43%) of treatment stopped, nurses practices such as changing the ESP in advance 6 vials (14%), application of the rule "discard the ESP 24hours after preparation" 9 vials (21.5%) and 9 vials (21.5%) corresponding to the 45mL discarded for the 45 ESP prepared in the cardiology ICU.

More than a quarter of the heparin purchased is wasted. The results should lead to policy decisions concerning the medications supply chain, i.e. abandoning the 20,000UI/48mL protocol, supply of ready to use heparin syringes by industry or by the pharmacy. It is essential that these data be fed back to nurses' teams, in order to gather their suggestions before considering any changes of their practices.

Despite robust scientific evidence and strong guideline recommendations, there remain significant gaps in initiation and dose titration of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure (HF) among eligible patients. Reasons surrounding these gaps are multifactorial, and largely attributed to patient, healthcare professionals, and institutional challenges. Concurrently, HF remains a predominant cause of mortality and hospitalization, emphasizing the critical need for improved delivery of therapy to patients in routine clinical practice. To optimize GDMT, various implementation strategies have emerged in the recent decade such as in-hospital rapid initiation of GDMT, improving patient adherence, addressing clinical inertia, improving affordability, engagement in quality improvement registries, multidisciplinary clinics, and EHR-integrated interventions. This review highlights the current use and barriers to optimal utilization of GDMT, and proposes novel strategies aimed at improving GDMT in HF.

Heart failure (HF) is a global public health concern that affects millions of people worldwide. While there have been significant therapeutic advancements in HF over the last few decades, there remain major disparities in risk factors, treatment patterns and outcomes across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, country and region. Recent research has provided insight into many of these disparities, but there remain large gaps in our understanding of worldwide variations in HF care. Although the majority of the global population resides across Asia, Africa and South America, these regions remain poorly represented in epidemiological studies and HF trials. Recent efforts and registries have provided insight into the clinical profiles and outcomes across HF patterns globally. The prevalence of HF and associated risk factors has been reported and varies by country and region ranges, with minimal data on regional variations in treatment patterns and long-term outcomes. It is critical to improve our understanding of the different factors that contribute to global disparities in HF care so we can build interventions that improve our general cardiovascular health and mitigate the social and economic cost of HF. In this narrative review, we hope to provide an overview of the global and regional variations in HF care and outcomes.

Remarkable recent advances have revolutionized the field of heart failure. Survival has improved among individuals with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction and for the first time, new therapies have been shown to improve outcomes across the entire ejection fraction spectrum of heart failure. Great strides have been taken in the treatment of specific cardiomyopathies such as cardiac amyloidosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, whereby conditions once considered incurable can now be effectively managed with novel genetic and molecular approaches. Yet there remain substantial residual unmet needs in heart failure. The translation of successful clinical trials to improved patient outcomes is limited by large gaps in implementation of care, widespread lack of disease awareness and poor understanding of the socioeconomic determinants of outcomes and how to address disparities. Ongoing clinical trials, advances in phenotype segmentation for precision medicine and the rise in technology solutions all offer hope for the future.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are effective across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in heart failure (HF); however, population-wide medication use in eligible patients remains suboptimal. We evaluated the potential implications of optimal global implementation of SGLT-2 inhibitors in HF.

A decision analytical study was performed using the global prevalence of HF from the Global Burden of Disease 2017 report. Exclusion criteria were applied using the NHANES to ascertain an SGLT-2 inhibitor-eligible population, which was mapped onto global LVEF distributions from the REPORT-HF registry. The number needed to treat for 3 years for the composite of worsening HF events and cardiovascular deaths was calculated from estimated event rates in the DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced, EMPEROR-Preserved, and DELIVER trials and projected onto the eligible population. An estimated 49 329 000 (95% confidence interval [CI] 43 882 000-54 929 000) HF patients would be eligible for SGLT-2 inhibitors across all LVEFs, including 25 651 000 (95% CI 22 818 000-28 563 000) with LVEF ≤40% and 23 678 000 (95% CI 21 063 000-26 366 000) with LVEF >40%. Optimal implementation of SGLT-2 inhibitors would be projected to prevent/postpone 4 512 011 (95% CI 4 013 686-5 024 232) to 5 986 943 (95% CI 5 325 721-6 666 604) total worsening HF events and cardiovascular deaths over 3 years in patients with LVEF <40%. An additional 2 102 606 (95% CI 1 870 394-2 341 301) to 2 557 224 (95% CI 2 274 804-2 847 528) total worsening HF events and cardiovascular deaths would be prevented/postponed in patients with LVEF >40%. Among all eligible HF patients, irrespective of LVEF, 7 069 235 (95% CI 6 288 490-7 871 760) to 8 089 549 (95% CI 7 196 115-9 007 905) total worsening HF events and cardiovascular deaths would be prevented/postponed over this period.

Optimal implementation of SGLT-2 inhibitors globally in HF is projected to prevent/postpone approximately 7-8 million worsening HF events and cardiovascular deaths over 3 years.

Many cardiovascular (CV) medicines are required for long term. However, with their limited resources, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may have challenges with access to cardiovascular medicines. The aim of this review was to provide a summary of available evidence on access to cardiovascular medicines in LMICs.

We searched PubMed and Google scholar for English language articles on access to cardiovascular medicines for the period 2010-2022. We also searched for articles reporting measures for challenges in access to CV medicines from 2007 to 2022. Studies conducted in LMICs, and reporting availability and affordability were included for review. We also reviewed studies reporting affordability or availability using the World Health Organisation/Health Action International (WHO/HAI) method. Levels of affordability and availability were compared.

Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria for review on availability and affordability. Although availability appears to have improved, many countries did not meet the availability target of 80%. Between economies and within countries, there are equity gaps in access to CV medicines. Availability is lower in public health facilities than private facilities. Seven out of 11 studies reported availability less than 80%. Eight studies which investigated availability in the public sector reported less than 80% availability. Overall, CV medicines, especially combined treatments are not affordable in the majority of countries. Simultaneous achievement of availability and affordability target is low. In the studies reviewed, less than 1-53.5 days wages were required to purchase one month supply of CV medicines. Failure to meet affordability was 9-75%. Five studies showed that, on average 1.6 days' wages of the Lowest-Paid Government Worker (LPGW) was required to purchase generic CV medicines in the public sector. Efficient forecasting and procurement, increased public financing and policies to improve generic use, among others are measures for improving availability and affordability.

Significant gaps exist in access to cardiovascular medicines in LMICs, and in many low-and lower middle-income countries access to cardiovascular medicines is low. To improve access and achieve the Global Action Plan on non-communicable diseases in these countries, policy interventions must be urgently instituted.