Abstract
Abstract only Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a diagnostic challenge despite a 50% incidence of HF admissions. H2FPEF tool is a validated scoring system that estimates HFpEF probability with a sensitivity of 69% and positive predictive value of 85%. Despite clinical research interest and therapeutic advances in HFpEF, implementation of therapies remain inconsistent. Currently ACC/AHA guidelines classify sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) use a 2A recommendation with benefits for reducing hospital admissions. We assess the utilization of current guidelines. An observational retrospective analysis was performed of patients >18 years with a left ventricular ejection fraction of >50% seen in cardiology clinic with an ICD.10 code of diastolic heart failure from January 2022 to 2024 at a large tertiary hospital. Electronic records were reviewed for patient demographics, documentation of heart failure diagnosis, medication list and echocardiogram parameters. Primary outcome was HF related hospitalization. The study screened 79 patients, 51% females and 49% males. 20.2% of the patients were on SGLT2i, a quarter of which were female. Of those on SGLT2i, 56% were on diuretics, 81% had H2FpEF score > 5, 56% had diabetes, and 19% had a HF hospitalization. SGLT2i was stopped in 1 patient due to cost. Of the (63) 79.8% of patients not on SGLT2I, 65% were on diuretics, 90% had H2FPEF score > 5, 23% had diabetes and 32% had a HF hospitalization. 43% were males, with an average age of 71 for males and 62 for females. Ten patients had documented reasons for not being on SGLT2i including CKD, dialysis, yeast infection and denied insurance coverage. Unadjusted effect measures for HF hospitalization (HR 0.59, RRR 40.9%, OR 0.496; p 0.134). As guidelines are readily investigated and updated by expert consensus groups, evaluating practice patterns is key. Unlike other cardiac medications, SGLT2is are primarily initiated by cardiologists and recognizing barriers can identify generalizability of current guidelines. Our data looked at both objective and clinical endpoints for HFPEF diagnosis. Interestingly, women were less often started on SGLT2i and coverage was not a frequent cause for not using SGLT2i. Our quality metric analysis shows a potential protective effect of HF readmission with SGLT2i use in a highly symptomatic cohort, and suggests future directives need to focus on broadening educational reach among cardiologists.