Science News for ESC 2021

European Society of Cardiology Congress 2021 | August 27–30, 2021 | Virtual Experience

The American Heart Association's Science News from ESC 2021 coverage brings you results and insights into selected important scientific trials presented at ESC 2021, a virtual conference held August 27–30, 2021. Find at-a-glance data summaries, exclusive interviews, simultaneous publications, and more – all in one place.

Jump to one day's coverage: Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday

Quick Reference:
AHA Journals Simultaneous Publications

Friday's Selected Science

GUIDE-HF

Haemodynamic-guided management of heart failure – randomised arm primary outcomes
Joann Lindenfeld | Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

RESULTS: Hemodynamic-guided management across the spectrum of ejection fraction and symptom severity was safe but did not reduce a composite of mortality and HF events. However, the pre-COVID impact analysis indicated a benefit of hemodynamic-guided management on the primary outcome in the pre-COVID-19 period, primarily driven by a lower HF hospitalization rate compared to control group.

Simultaneous Publication

The Lancet: Haemodynamic-guided management of heart failure (GUIDE-HF): a randomised controlled trial

EMPEROR-Preserved

Effect of empagliflozin on cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalisations in patients with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction, with and without diabetes
Stefan Anker | Charite Campus Virchow Clinic, Berlin, Germany

RESULTS: Empagliflozin reduced the combined risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization in patients with HFpEF by 21%, regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes. This benefit was consistent across pre-specified EF subgroups. Empagliflozin reduced total ( first and recurrent) hospitalizations for HF by 27%.

Simultaneous Publications

EMPEROR-Pooled

Effect of empagliflozin on serious adverse renal outcomes in chronic heart failure – a prospective alpha-protected, Individual patient-level pooled analysis
Milton Packer | Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX

RESULTS: The effects of empagliflozin to reduce HF outcomes in EMPEROR-Preserved and EMPEROR-Reduced were highly concordant. Empagliflozin reduced HF hospitalizations by ≈ 30% across a broad range of EF from < 25% to < 65%, with attenuation of effect at higher ejection fractions. Empagliflozin reduced the risk of major renal outcomes in EMPORER-Reduced, but not in EMPEROR-Preserved.

Simultaneous Publication

NEJM: Empagliflozin and Major Renal Outcomes in Heart Failure

Saturday's Selected Science

MASTER DAPT

Dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary stenting in high bleeding risk patients
Marco Valgimigli | Cardiocentro Ticino Foundation, Lugano, Switzerland

RESULTS: At least 2 additional months of therapy did not result in a significant increased occurrence of NACE or MACCE; Incidence of bleeding was significantly lower in patients receiving abbreviated therapy

MASTER DAPT Data Summary Slide (PDF)

Simultaneous Publication

Circulation: Abbreviated Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients at High Bleeding Risk With or Without Oral Anticoagulant Therapy After Coronary Stenting: An Open-Label, Randomized, Controlled Trial

FIGARO-DKD

Finerenone in patients with chronic kidney disease and type-2 diabetes
Bertram Pitt | University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

RESULTS: Finerenone significantly reduced the risk of CV morbidity and mortality by 13%. Finerenone provides kidney and CV benefits across the spectrum of patients with CKD and T2D.

FIGARO-DKD Data Summary Slide (PDF)

Sunday's Selected Science

ACST-2

Stenting vs. surgery for tight carotid stenosis
Alison Halliday | University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom

RESULTS: Among asymptomatic patients receiving CAS or CEA, serious complications are uncommon, and both are associated with an approximately 1% risk of disabling stroke or death.

ACST-2 Data Summary Slide (PDF)

LOOP Study

Screening for AF with an implantable loop recorder to prevent stroke
Jesper Hastrup Svendsen | Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen, Denmark

RESULTS: Continuous monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation via an implantable loop recorder and subsequent timely use of anticoagulants did not prevent stroke or systemic arterial embolism in high-risk individuals over 70 years old.

Monday's Selected Science

STEP Study

Intensive vs. standard blood pressure control among older hypertensive patients
Jun Cai | Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China

RESULTS: Intensive treatment for hypertension in older patients with a target systolic BP of 110 to less than 130 Hg. resulted in lower incidence of CV events than treatment with the target of systolic BP of 130 to 150 Hg.