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In patients who are on 3 of the 4 pillars of HF therapy for HFrEF, would you add the 4th pillar if they are no longer in symptomatic HF and LVEF normalizes?

The basis of the question is that HFrEF trials enroll patients who have Class II-IV symptoms. If their LV systolic function recovers and they become asymptomatic, would adding the 4th pillar still be warranted?
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In patients who are on 3 of the 4 pillars of HF therapy for HFrEF, would you add the 4th pillar if they are no longer in symptomatic HF and LVEF normalizes?

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6 Answers
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Cardiology · Smidt Heart Institute
Answered on

This is a great question, and a data-free zone. The way I see it, the LV recovered with 3 pillars, and assuming the EF is normal and patient asymptomatic, I'm not sure what benefit is derived from the fourth pillar. I would not add it as there is no data that in patients with HFimpEF already on 3 pi...

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Cardiology · The George Washington University Hospital
Answered on

Adding a fourth agent offers no proven advantage, and will increase the chance of side effects and drug interactions.

It can always be added later if symptoms develop, or EF falls.

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Cardiology · Penn Heart And Vascular Center
Answered on

This is a very good question without much data. Certainly, those patients on 4 agents who improved or recovered should be continued based on the TRED-HF trial. Now, I can see the potential lack of benefit in asymptomatic patients (NYHA I) whose LVEF has normalized. In a non-ischemic patient, I proba...

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Cardiology · Miami Transplant Institute
Answered on

This is an excellent question. I would prefer to have more information.

  • NTproBNP
  • LV volumes and LVEDD
  • Diastolic dysfunction
  • Strain imaging details
  • If possible, CPET information

Normal LVEF does not necessarily translate into myocardial recovery. Cardiac reverse remodeling is a complex process (whe...

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Cardiology · New Jersey Cardiology Associates
Answered on

While I agree with what was written already, my take on this matter is that the situation should not occur in current times.

In our practice, we strive to start all 4 pillars within 2-4 weeks and have ARNI/BB doses maximized by week 6 in order to get the full effect and benefit of hospitalization as...

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Cardiology · University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
Answered on

If the proBNP is elevated, I will certainly add the 4th pillar. I may even consider adding vericiguat if it remains elevated in the presence of all four pillars.

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