THE USE OF SGLT2 INHIBITORS IN THE TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to demonstrate that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), originally developed as antidiabetic medications, have emerged as a fundamental therapy in the treatment of heart failure (HF), even in the absence of diabetes mellitus. This literature review analyzed 16 studies that investigated the effects of this pharmacological class across different clinical profiles of the disease. Randomized clinical trials demonstrated a significant reduction in hospitalizations for heart failure, as well as a decrease in adverse cardiovascular outcomes and improvement in quality of life among patients with reduced ejection fraction. In individuals with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction, consistent and satisfactory benefits were also observed, thereby expanding the therapeutic spectrum. Additional studies showed efficacy in elderly patients and in those receiving optimized medical therapy. Furthermore, a slowing of renal function decline and a favorable safety profile were observed, highlighting the importance of the cardiorenal interaction. It is therefore concluded that SGLT2 inhibitors act as disease-modifying therapy, providing broad, sustained clinical benefits applicable to contemporary clinical practice.