SGLT2 inhibitor treatment in patients with an LVAD significantly increased 6-minute walk test distance by 78.7 m at the 9-12 month follow-up visit (p=0.002).
Cohort
Does SGLT2 inhibitor treatment improve exercise capacity and clinical parameters in patients with a left ventricular assist device?
SGLT2 inhibitors appear safe and may improve exercise capacity, right ventricular function, and renal function in patients with a left ventricular assist device.
Effect estimate: 78.7 m increase
p-value: p=0.002
Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of SGLT2In in patients with LVAD. Methods The study included patients with LVAD, who started SGLT2In treatment at least three months after LVAD implantation. Group was divided into two subgroups: treated SGLT2In+ vs SGLT2In- not treated - early SGLT2In discontinued (0-14 days). Clinical data: pharmacotherapy; six-minute walk test (6MWT); echocardiographic, laboratory, LVAD parameters were obtained at baseline (before SGLT2-I start), then 3-6 months increase in TAPSE) were observed. LAB results revealed an increase in Hb, reduction in creatinine and glucose levels. Conclusion In heart failure LVAD population, SGLT2In treatment is safe and have a beneficial effect on exercise capacity, right ventricular function, kidney function also haemoglobin and glucose levels.Figure 1 Figure 2
Leszek et al. (2025) conducted a cohort in Heart failure with left ventricular assist device (LVAD). SGLT2 inhibitors vs. Early SGLT2 inhibitor discontinuation (0-14 days) was evaluated on 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance (78.7 m increase, p=0.002). SGLT2 inhibitor treatment in patients with an LVAD significantly increased 6-minute walk test distance by 78.7 m at the 9-12 month follow-up visit (p=0.002).