HFrEF > ACC ECDP Update

The 2021 update to the ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway
recommends ARNI ahead of ACEi/ARB for treatment of HFrEF1

ARNI is recommended first-line with beta blocker for all appropriate HFrEF patients

In the ECDP, ENTRESTO®, a fixed combination of an angiotensin receptor blocker and a neprilysin inhibitor, is referred to as an ARNI.

2021 ECDP Update: Treatment Algorithm for GDMT Including Novel Therapies1

Green color identifies a Class I therapy from clinical practice guidelines, whereas yellow color indicates a Class II therapy.

*ACEi/ARB should only be considered in patients with contraindications, intolerability, or inaccessibility to ARNI.

Carvedilol, metoprolol succinate, or bisoprolol.

ACC=American College of Cardiology; ACEi=angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor;
ARB=angiotensin II receptor blocker; ARNI=angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor;
ECDP=Expert Consensus Decision Pathway; eGFR=estimated glomerular filtration rate;
GDMT=Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy; HFrEF=heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; HR=heart rate; K+=potassium; NYHA=New York Heart Association;
RAAS=renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; SGLT2i=sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor.

Adapted from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology; 2021;77(6):772-810; Maddox M, Januzzi JL, Allen LA, et al. 2021 Update to the 2017 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway for optimization of heart failure treatment: answers to 10 pivotal issues about heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a report of the American College of Cardiology Solution Set Oversight Committee, with permission from Elsevier.

A direct-to-ARNI approach is recommended in de novo patients

  • With such an approach, close follow-up and serial assessments (blood pressure, electrolytes, and renal function) should be considered, and any such usage should consider concerns regarding the risk of angioedema or hypotension

  • ARNI is the preferred RAAS inhibitor for all appropriate HFrEF patients

Time is essential. Start ENTRESTO® now as a first choice instead of an ACEi/ARB

SEE THE FULL ACC ECDP UPDATE

See clinical data supporting the ACC ECDP recommendation

*In PARAGON-HF, defined as LVEF ≥45% with structural heart disease (LAE or LVH); median LVEF was 57%, LVEF is a variable measure and the normal range can vary.2

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INDICATION

ENTRESTO is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adult patients with chronic heart failure. Benefits are most clearly evident in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below normal.

LVEF is a variable measure, so use clinical judgment in deciding whom to treat.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY

  • When pregnancy is detected, discontinue ENTRESTO as soon as possible

  • Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus

COLLAPSE

INDICATION

ENTRESTO is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adult patients with chronic heart failure. Benefits are most clearly evident in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below normal.

LVEF is a variable measure, so use clinical judgment in deciding whom to treat.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY

  • When pregnancy is detected, discontinue ENTRESTO as soon as possible

  • Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus

ENTRESTO is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component. ENTRESTO is contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema related to previous angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy.

ENTRESTO is contraindicated with concomitant use of ACE inhibitors. Do not administer within 36 hours of switching from or to an ACE inhibitor. ENTRESTO is contraindicated with concomitant use of aliskiren in patients with diabetes.

Angioedema: ENTRESTO may cause angioedema. Angioedema associated with laryngeal edema may be fatal. ENTRESTO has been associated with a higher rate of angioedema in Black patients and in patients with a prior history of angioedema. ENTRESTO should not be used in patients with hereditary angioedema. If angioedema occurs, discontinue ENTRESTO immediately, provide appropriate therapy, and monitor for airway compromise. ENTRESTO must not be re-administered.

Hypotension: ENTRESTO lowers blood pressure and may cause symptomatic hypotension. Patients with an activated renin-angiotensin system, such as volume- and/or salt-depleted patients (e.g., those being treated with high doses of diuretics), are at greater risk. Correct volume or salt depletion prior to administration of ENTRESTO or start at a lower dose. If hypotension persists despite dose adjustment of diuretics, concomitant antihypertensive drugs, and treatment of other causes of hypotension (e.g., hypovolemia), reduce the dosage or temporarily discontinue ENTRESTO. Permanent discontinuation of therapy is usually not required.

Impaired Renal Function: Decreases in renal function may be anticipated in susceptible individuals treated with ENTRESTO. In patients whose renal function depends upon the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g., patients with severe congestive heart failure), treatment with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists has been associated with oliguria, progressive azotemia and, rarely, acute renal failure and death. Closely monitor serum creatinine, and down-titrate or interrupt ENTRESTO in patients who develop a clinically significant decrease in renal function.

ENTRESTO may increase blood urea and serum creatinine levels in patients with bilateral or unilateral renal artery stenosis. In patients with renal artery stenosis, monitor renal function. Avoid use with aliskiren in patients with renal impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2).

In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function, concomitant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including COX-2 inhibitors, with ENTRESTO may result in worsening of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Monitor renal function periodically.

Hyperkalemia: Hyperkalemia may occur with ENTRESTO. Monitor serum potassium periodically and treat appropriately, especially in patients with risk factors for hyperkalemia such as severe renal impairment, diabetes, hypoaldosteronism, or a high potassium diet. Dosage reduction or interruption of ENTRESTO may be required.

Concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride), potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium, may lead to increases in serum potassium.

ARBs: Avoid use of ENTRESTO with an ARB, because ENTRESTO contains the angiotensin II receptor blocker valsartan.

Lithium: Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Monitor serum lithium levels during concomitant use with ENTRESTO.

Common Adverse Events: In a clinical trial of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the most commonly observed adverse events with ENTRESTO vs enalapril, occurring at a frequency of at least 5% in either group, were hypotension (18%, 12%), hyperkalemia (12%, 14%), cough (9%, 13%), dizziness (6%, 5%), and renal failure/acute renal failure (5%, 5%). No new adverse reactions were identified in a trial of the remaining indicated population.

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References:

1. Maddox TM, Januzzi JL, Allen LA, et al. 2021 update to the 2017 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway for optimization of heart failure treatment: answers to 10 pivotal issues about heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a report of the American College of Cardiology Solution Set Oversight Committee. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021;77(6):772-810. 2. ENTRESTO [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

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