Effectiveness of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Improving Functional Capacity and Reducing Hospitalizations in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have recently emerged as a promising therapeutic option for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition historically resistant to pharmacological interventions. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 10 randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of empagliflozin and dapagliflozin on functional capacity and hospitalization outcomes in HFpEF patients. The findings consistently demonstrate significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes, such as the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores and six-minute walk test (6MWT) performance, along with reductions in heart failure hospitalizations. These benefits were observed across diverse patient populations, including older adults and those with comorbidities like diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with a favorable safety profile. The review supports the incorporation of SGLT2 inhibitors as a central component in the management of HFpEF, offering both symptomatic relief and a reduction in clinical events.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Strategy for Mitigating DKA Risk in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes on Adjunctive Treatment with SGLT Inhibitors: A STICH Protocol
- Glucoraphanin: a broccoli sprout extract that ameliorates obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance
- SGLT2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure: Targeted Metabolomics and Energetic Metabolism
- Mechanisms of blood pressure reduction with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors: beyond glycaemic control
- Decoding the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.