Effectiveness of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors in Reducing Cardiovascular Mortality in Heart Failure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Cardiac dysfunction or heart failure (HF) continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally with more than 64 million affected people. Despite advancements in pharmacotherapy, patients with heart failure (HF) continue to face significant risks of mortality and hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease. Clinical trials in the last few years have demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors initially used for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus have been beneficial for the reduction of cardiovascular events in patients with HF regardless of their diabetes status. This systematic review and meta-analysis use data from RCTs and observational study to assess the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalization. The study findings suggest a 16% decrease in cardiovascular mortality and a 24% decrease in HF related hospitalizations among the patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors. The findings from the present study are suggestive of offering primacy to SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure treatment as it has benefits more than the glycemic regulation. These outcomes have significant implications for the approach toward clinical treatments and establish a significant focus for further studies concerning the long-term outcomes of such therapies in different patient groups.