Unlocking the potential of sacubitril/valsartan therapy in improving ECG and echocardiographic parameters in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HErEF)

Egypt Heart J. 2024 Mar 28;76(1):41. doi: 10.1186/s43044-024-00468-4.

Abstract

Background: Sacubitril/valsartan therapy has been found to reduce hospitalizations, improve echocardiogram parameters, and improve mortality in HFrEF. The objective is to assess S/V therapy effect on electrocardiogram indices and how those parameters related to echocardiographic parameters.

Results: From June 2022 until June 2023, this prospective study enrolled 100 patients (mean age 56.1, 8.2, 78% male) with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) used PARADIGM-HF criteria: NYHA Class II, III, or IV HF; ejection fraction EF ≤ 40%; and hospitalization for HF within previous 12 months. Before starting S/V therapy, an echo and ECG were performed, as well as 6 months following the optimal dose and if LVEF was improved by more than 5%, they were termed notable S/V treatment responders. Aside from improving echo parameters, ECG parameters improved significantly. The QRS width was reduced from 123.7 ± 20.3 to 117.1 ± 18.8 ms (p 0.00), and QTc interval was reduced from 425.4 ± 32.8 to 421.4 ± 32.3 ms (p = 0.012). QRS width was significantly reduced in patients with LBBB, RBBB, and IVCD based on QRS morphology. QRS width (r = - 0.243, p = 0.016) and QTc (r = - 0.252, p = 0.012) had a negative connection with LVEF.

Conclusion: S/V therapy, in addition to improving echo parameters and NYHA class, improves QRS width and corrected QTc interval on ECG in HFrEF patients. This is an indication of reverse electrical LV remodeling and can be used as an auxiliary prediction for tracking therapy outcomes.

Keywords: ECG; Echocardiography; Heart failure; Reduced ejection fraction; Sacubitril/valsartan combination.