Prospective Evaluation of Quality-of-Life Improvement After Dapagliflozin Initiation in a Greek Population With HFrEF: The EVOLUTION-HF 12-Month Results.

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40%, remains a major global health challenge, associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and impaired quality of life (QoL), particularly in patients with higher NYHA class. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a cornerstone therapy for HFrEF, significantly reducing hospitalizations and mortality regardless of glycemic status, sex, race, or comorbidities.

METHODS

EVOLUTION-HF was an observational, multi-center, longitudinal cohort study involving 257 consecutive patients diagnosed with HFrEF who initiated dapagliflozin in a routine clinical setting in Greece. The primary objectives were to characterize baseline demographic and clinical features of patients newly initiated on dapagliflozin for HFrEF and to evaluate dapagliflozin treatment patterns, including discontinuation timing, reasons for discontinuation, and concomitant heart failure and glucose-lowering therapies over time. The secondary objectives are to describe patient-reported outcomes using the KCCQ-23 and to assess adherence to dapagliflozin among patients with HFrEF.

RESULTS

A total of 257 patients were enrolled and the follow-up period lasted for 12 months. Significant improvements among all KCCQ-23 scores were observed from baseline to 12-months post dapagliflozin initiation, revealing that the initiation and optimization of guideline-directed medical therapy in routine clinical practice provides improvement to quality of life over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin was safe and well-tolerated throughout the observation period. Although benefits are observed in most patients, individuals aged > 65 years, with prior myocardial infarction, or recent hospitalizations show a diminished response, underscoring the need for tailored management and closer follow-up in these higher-risk groups.