Key result
Continuous GDMT optimization is associated with LVEF recovery in ~46% of patients with persistent HFrEF.
Why the study?
In patients with de novo HFrEF started on guideline-recommended medical therapy, improvement of LVEF is expected but may not be completed within 90 days.
Does continuous optimization of guideline-recommended medical therapy improve LVEF beyond 90 days in patients with de novo HFrEF?
Observational (n=598)
Yes
Does continuous optimization of guideline-recommended medical therapy improve LVEF beyond 90 days in patients with de novo HFrEF?
Continuous optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy beyond 90 days in de novo HFrEF leads to significant further improvements in LVEF, suggesting that decisions regarding primary prevention ICD implantation should potentially be delayed.
Background and Aims In patients with de novo heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is expected to occur when started on guideline-recommended medical therapy. However, improvement may not be completed within 90 days. Methods Patients with HFrEF and LVEF ≤ 35% prescribed a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator between 2017 and 2022 from 68 sites were enrolled, starting with a registry phase for 3 months and followed by a study phase up to 1 year. The primary endpoints were LVEF improvement > 35% between Days 90 and 180 following guideline-recommended medical therapy initiation and the percentage of target dose reached at Days 90 and 180. Results A total of 598 patients with de novo HFrEF [59 years (interquartile range 51–68), 27% female] entered the study phase. During the first 180 days, a significant increase in dosage of beta-blockers, renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists was observed (P < .001). At Day 90, 46% [95% confidence interval (CI) 41%–50%] of study phase patients had LVEF improvement > 35%; 46% (95% CI 40%–52%) of those with persistently low LVEF at Day 90 had LVEF improvement > 35% by Day 180, increasing the total rate of improvement > 35% to 68% (95% CI 63%–72%). In 392 patients followed for 360 days, improvement > 35% was observed in 77% (95% CI 72%–81%) of the patients. Until Day 90, sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias were observed in 24 wearable cardioverter-defibrillator carriers (1.8%). After 90 days, no sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia occurred in wearable cardioverter-defibrillator carriers. Conclusions Continuous optimization of guideline-recommended medical therapy for at least 180 days in HFrEF is associated with additional LVEF improvement > 35%, allowing for better decision-making regarding preventive implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy.
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Veltmann et al. (2026) conducted an observational in de novo heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (n=598). Guideline-recommended medical therapy optimization was evaluated on LVEF improvement > 35% between Days 90 and 180 in patients with persistently low LVEF at Day 90 (95% CI 40%-52%). In patients with de novo HFrEF and persistently low LVEF at 90 days, continuous optimization of guideline-recommended medical therapy led to LVEF improvement >35% in 46% of patients by day 180.
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