Abstract
Aims: The effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) in addition to optimal medical therapy (OMT) on right ventricular (RV) systolic function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is not well established. This study aimed to assess the impact of SGLT2is on RV function using advanced echocardiographic parameters in patients with HFrEF and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: The real-world prospective, observational GLISCAR study enrolled 31 consecutive patients with T2D and HFrEF. All participants underwent clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and comprehensive echocardiography at baseline and after 12 months of treatment with an SGLT2i. Results: After 12 months, statistically significant improvements in RV function were observed. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) increased from 18.00 mm (SD ± 4.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 16.51-19.49 mm) to 19.40 mm (SD ± 4.13; 95% CI: 17.95-20.85 mm) (p = 0.0346), and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) decreased from 35.23 mmHg (SD ± 14.61; 95% CI: 30.09-40.37 mm) to 30.89 mmHg (SD ± 7.77; 95% CI: 28.15-33.63 mm) (p < 0.001). These changes may suggest favorable RV remodeling and improved right ventricular-arterial coupling (RVAC). Conclusions: SGLT2i therapy was associated with improved RV function and RVAC in patients with HFrEF and T2D. While these findings are preliminary and drawn from a small, observational cohort, they support a potential role for SGLT2is in right heart remodeling. Further randomized, controlled studies are needed to confirm these effects and clarify their clinical implications.