Work

Initial Investigation of Vericiguat Efficacy in the Treatment of Recurrently Hospitalised Heart Failure Patients

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Heart failure is a global health problem that has led to an increase in hospitalisations, a decrease in quality of life and an increase in premature death. Rehospitalisation due to worsening heart failure is an indicator of poor prognosis and is directly correlated with life expectancy. Furthermore, additional hospitalisations increase the financial burden on medical systems. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the novel heart failure medication vericiguat in reducing hospitalisations and improving the clinical parameters of patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction who are hospitalised with heart failure decompensation and need intravenous diuretics for decongestion. Additionally, reassure practitioners in vericiguat safety and efficiency to increase the number of patients receiving novel medications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study in patients with decompensated heart failure who were hospitalised at the Latvian Center of Cardiology. Data were collected for the period between November 2023 and November 2024, using patients' medical documentation. Vericiguat was initiated by physicians accordingly to the European guidelines on treating advanced heart failure. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of adding a novel medication on patients' hospitalisation rates and changes in clinical parameters. Clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory parameters were assessed during index hospitalisation and after one year with optimally tolerated medical therapy that included vericiguat. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA). RESULTS: In our study, more than half of the heart failure patients who received optimal medical treatment that included vericiguat were not rehospitalised and their condition did not worsen within 12 months of follow-up. With the optimisation of medical therapy and the addition of vericiguat, there was a statistically significant increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction and a statistically significant decrease in NT-proBNP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Vericiguat can be added for the treatment of patients with a reduced ejection fraction and episodes of decompensation, showing promising results in decreasing additional hospitalisations and improving the clinical outcomes of patients.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.91192

Authors: Aleksandrs Vasiljevs, Karlis Trusinskis

Institutions: Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, Riga Stradiņš University, University of Latvia

Language: English

Topic: Heart Failure Treatment and Management

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4413786180