Effects of sildenafil on invasive haemodynamics and exercise capacity in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension: a randomized controlled trial

Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), with associated pulmonary hypertension is an increasingly large medical problem. Phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibition may be of value in this population, but data are scarce and inconclusive. Methods and results In this single centre, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we included 52 patients with pulmonary hypertension [mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP)>25 mmHg; pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)>15 mmHg] due to HFpEF [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >= 45%]. Patients were randomized to the PDE-5 inhibitor sildenafil, titrated to 60 mg three times a day, or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in mean PAP after 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints were change in mean PAWP, cardiac output, and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2). Mean age was 74 +/- 10 years, 71% was female, LVEF was 58%, median NT-proBNP level was 1087 (535-1945) ng/L. After 12 weeks, change in mean PAP was -2.4 (95% CI -4.5 to -0.3) mmHg in patients who received sildenafil, vs. -4.7 (95% CI -7.1 to -2.3) mmHg in placebo patients (P = 0.14). Sildenafil did not have a favourable effect on PAWP, cardiac output, and peak VO2. Adverse events were overall comparable between groups. Conclusion Treatment with sildenafil did not reduce pulmonary artery pressures and did not improve other invasive haemodynamic or clinical parameters in our study population, characterized by HFpEF patients with predominantly isolated post-capillary pulmonary hypertension. (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01726049).