The Evolving Role of Vericiguat in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Authors

Ross M. Dies, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Corrie N. Jackson, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Chelsi J. Flanagan, University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, San Antonio, TX
Evan S. Sinnathamby, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Noah J. Spillers, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Pooja Potharaju, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Naina Singh, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Giustino Varrassi, Paolo Procacci Foundation, Rome, ITA
Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Sahar Shekoohi, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Alan D. Kaye, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2023

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic and progressive clinical disorder characterized by an inability to pump sufficient blood to meet metabolic demands. It poses a substantial global healthcare burden, leading to high morbidity, mortality, and economic impact. Current treatments for HF include lifestyle modifications, guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMT), and device interventions, but the need for novel therapeutic approaches remains significant. The introduction of vericiguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, has shown promise in improving outcomes for heart failure patients. Vericiguat addresses the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of heart failure by augmenting the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway, leading to enhanced cardiac contractility and vasodilation. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of vericiguat, such as the Vericiguat Global Study in Subjects with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (VICTORIA) trial, have demonstrated promising results. It has been shown that vericiguat, when added to standard therapy, reduces the risk of HF hospitalization and cardiovascular death in patients with symptomatic chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The addition of vericiguat to the current armamentarium of HF treatments provides clinicians with a novel therapeutic option to further optimize patient outcomes. Its potential benefits extend beyond symptom management, aiming to reduce hospitalizations and mortality rates associated with HF. As with any new treatment, the appropriate patient selection, monitoring, and management of potential adverse effects are essential. Further research is warranted to determine the long-term benefits, optimal dosing strategies, and potential combination therapies involving vericiguat. Its ability to target the cGMP pathway provides a unique mechanism of action, offering potential benefits in improving clinical outcomes for HF patients. Continued investigation and clinical experience will further elucidate the role of vericiguat in the management of HF and its overall impact on reducing the healthcare burden associated with this debilitating condition.

First Page

e49782

PubMed ID

38161537

Volume

15

Issue

12

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Dies, Ross M.; Jackson, Corrie N.; Flanagan, Chelsi J.; Sinnathamby, Evan S.; Spillers, Noah J.; Potharaju, Pooja; Singh, Naina; Varrassi, Giustino; Ahmadzadeh, Shahab; Shekoohi, Sahar; and Kaye, Alan D., "The Evolving Role of Vericiguat in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure" (2023). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 2149.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/2149