The evolving face of heart failure management

• Published in: Australian journal of general practice Vol. 51; no. 9; pp. 653 - 658
• Main Authors: Kalsi, Mandeep Singh, Dayawansa, Nalin, Winderlich, Josh, Vaddadi, Gautam
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sydney Royal Australian College of General Practitioners 01.09.2022
• Subjects: Diagnosis; Heart failure; Patients; Treatment
• ISSN: 2208-7958; 2208-794X; 2208-7958
• DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-03-22-6350

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia. While the therapeutic options available for HF remain limited, recent studies have expanded treatment options to include angiotensin-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Objective: The aim of this article is to provide an update on the management of HF for general practitioners (GPs), who play a pivotal part in the management of patients with complex presentations. By reviewing the stepwise diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients with HF, it is hoped that this article encourages GPs to take an active role in the management of patients with HF. Specifically, the aim is to increase familiarity with ARNIs and SGLT2 inhibitors, maximising their uptake and benefit for patients with HF. Discussion: ARNIs and SGLT2 inhibitors reduce morbidity and confer a survival benefit in the treatment of HF with reduced ejection fraction, yet they remain underused. Further familiarisation with these new classes of medication will enable increased uptake, which will benefit patients with HF.