The New Role of SGLT2 Inhibitors in the Management of Heart Failure: Current Evidence and Future Perspective

The sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a relatively new class of medication used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Recent clinical trials and research have demonstrated this class's effectiveness in treating heart failure, since they reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, hospitalization, and mortality. The mechanism by which they do so is unclear; however, SGLT2i inhibit the tubular reabsorption of glucose, lowering the interstitial volume. This mechanism leads to a reduction in blood pressure and an improvement of endothelial function. As a result, improvements in hospitalization and mortality rate have been shown. In this review, we focus on the primary outcome of the clinical trials designed to investigate the effect of SGLT2i in heart failure, regardless of patients' diabetic status. Furthermore, we compare the various SGLT2i regarding their risk reduction to investigate their potential as a treatment option for patients with reduced ejection fraction and preserved ejection fraction.

Automated summary

SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of drugs used for treating type 2 diabetes. Recent research has shown their effectiveness in managing heart failure by reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, hospitalization, and mortality. The mechanism behind this effect is still unclear, but it is believed that they lower blood pressure and improve endothelial function. This review focuses on the results of clinical trials investigating the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure, regardless of the patients' diabetic status. Various SGLT2 inhibitors are compared to explore their potential as a treatment option for patients with reduced ejection fraction and preserved ejection fraction.