A Game-Changer in Heart Attack Recovery

SGLT2 inhibitors are not just making waves in diabetes and heart failure treatments—they are emerging as lifesavers for kidney health, especially after a heart attack. Recent research has put to rest doubts about their safety in patients with compromised kidney function following a cardiac event.

New Findings from the EMPACT-MI Trial

The groundbreaking findings come from a secondary analysis of the EMPACT-MI trial published in *Nature Cardiovascular Research*. This extensive study reveals that the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin effectively preserved kidney function in heart attack patients—showing that it is not only safe but beneficial.

After two years on empagliflozin, participants maintained stable kidney function, while those on a placebo showed significant deterioration. The results are particularly reassuring for patients with pre-existing kidney issues, as the drug also helped reduce heart failure complications.

Changing Clinical Practices

Currently, many heart attack survivors who could greatly benefit from SGLT2 inhibitors are overlooked due to fears of potential kidney risks. However, these new findings from the largest SGLT2 inhibitor trial to date could transform how healthcare providers approach treatment in these patients.

Details of the Research

In the trial, 6,522 participants were randomly assigned to receive either empagliflozin or a placebo, starting within five days post-heart attack. Over an average follow-up period of 18 months, empagliflozin reduced total heart failure-related hospitalizations by an impressive 33%.

Moreover, the study found a noteworthy difference in kidney function metrics—with those on empagliflozin showing a minimally reduced rate compared to the placebo group, which faced significant decline. This underscores the importance of considering SGLT2 inhibitors during post-heart attack recovery.

A Call to Action for Healthcare Professionals

Dr. Bhatt, the lead investigator, urges clinicians to reconsider withholding SGLT2 inhibitors from patients recovering from heart attacks, even those with kidney disease. The results offer solid evidence of their safety and efficacy in this high-risk group.

What is the EMPACT-MI Trial?

The EMPACT-MI trial (EMPAgliflozin for the prevention of Chronic heart failure and morTality after an acute Myocardial Infarction) was a meticulously designed study analyzing empagliflozin’s effects on heart failure and mortality post-heart attack. The trial enrolled over 6,500 participants across 22 countries, emphasizing its global significance in cardiovascular health.

Participants received either daily doses of empagliflozin or placebo added to standard care within 14 days of heart attack hospitalization, with findings managed in collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and the Duke Clinical Research Institute.

A Brighter Future for Heart Attack Survivors

With these promising results, the medical community is hopeful that SGLT2 inhibitors can become a standard component of post-heart attack care, transforming recovery protocols for better health outcomes.