What is a potential consequence of suboptimal use of evidence-based therapies in HFrEF patients?

Suboptimal use of evidence-based therapies in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) can lead to frequent hospital admissions. Inadequate management of this condition often results in worsening heart failure symptoms due to unaddressed underlying issues, which are typically managed with guidelines recommendations concerning medications that improve heart function and reduce morbidity and mortality. When patients do not receive optimal therapy, they may experience exacerbations of their heart failure, leading to acute decompensations that require hospitalization for treatment.

The effectiveness of standard therapies—like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists—has been well-established in improving outcomes for HFrEF patients. When these therapies are not utilized optimally, patients are at higher risk for disease progression and complications, which in turn increases the likelihood of recurrent hospitalizations. This cycle can greatly affect both the healthcare system and patient quality of life.

In contrast, decreased drug costs, improved patient compliance, and enhanced quality of life would not typically result from suboptimal therapy use. In fact, neglecting effective treatment often leads to more significant health issues and increased costs overall due to the need for more intensive care.