A Win for Heart Failure: Diabetes Medication Found to be Beneficial

If you have heart failure, you know slowing the progression of the disease can add time to your life.

That’s why the discovery of a medication that improves cardiac outcomes, reduces risk of worsening heart failure and risk of death is good news.

A Clinical Trial Gives Hope

You might even call the discovery a happy accident. The DECLARE TIMI-58 study conducted at CHI Health Nebraska Heart and other centers around the world looked at the medication dapagliflozin (Farxiga) in patients with diabetes.

The data ultimately revealed the medication not only benefited patients with diabetes, but also patients with heart failure -- whether or not they had diabetes.

The positive results from the DECLARE trial lead to another trial called DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure). DAPA-HF was conducted to look at this medication versus a placebo in a total of 4,744 patients with heart failure. 

The DAPA-HF trial showed that dapagliflozin was superior to placebo at preventing cardiovascular deaths and heart failure events. The investigators reported improved outcomes in symptoms, physical function and health-related quality of life among patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).  As a result, the FDA-approved Farxiga (dapagliflozin) for adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.

Moving Medicine Forward

The discovery points to the vital role clinical trials play in moving medicine forward. At CHI Health, thousands of patients are involved in studies at any given time. At least 30 trials just for cardiovascular treatments are ongoing at CHI Health Nebraska Heart alone, as well as dozens of other studies throughout the CHI Health system.

It’s part of our evidence-based approach to medicine. We’re constantly researching new and novel compounds, new indications for existing medications, new devices, and existing devices for expanded applications. 

Each study leads to advances in medical care. Every study participant helps shape the future of medicine.

If you are presented with the opportunity to join a clinical study, it’s important that you know clinical research is highly regulated and the risks are tightly controlled to keep you safe. While it can require more time than typical treatments, you also receive additional follow-up and that means more health experts looking after your care.

You can learn more about research happening at CHI Health at CHIhealth.com/research.