A Bold Step for Heart Failure Treatment

DALLAS, September 15, 2025 — The American Heart Association (AHA) is kicking off an ambitious new initiative aimed at significantly improving care for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). These two categories make up a staggering 75% of all heart failure cases, but sadly, they have been overlooked in clinical research and treatment advancements.

Introducing the IMPLEMENT-EF Initiative

Dubbed the IMPLEMENT-EF quality improvement initiative, this program will meticulously map out gaps in patient care to better identify unmet needs and establish optimal care models. With ejection fraction (EF) being a key indicator of heart performance, understanding its role becomes crucial: a normal EF ranges from 55% to 70%. In HFpEF, the EF remains at 50% or above, indicating a heart that struggles to relax properly after each beat. Meanwhile, HFmrEF is characterized by an EF between 41%-49%.

A Team-Based Approach for Better Outcomes

To combat the challenges faced by patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF, swift recognition and the initiation of evidence-based treatments are vital for improving health outcomes. This pioneering three-year initiative, supported by Bayer, will harness the power of multidisciplinary care teams, including pharmacists, ensuring patients receive and adhere to the necessary medications. By utilizing data insights from Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure, the AHA aims to drive awareness of best practices and inform a standardized approach to patient care across the nation.

Educational Resources to Empower Healthcare Providers

In a bid to enrich clinical knowledge and implement best practices, the initiative will roll out a range of educational offerings, including podcasts, eLearning modules, and live presentations. A Science Advisory Panel has been assembled to oversee the creation of these invaluable materials.

Expert Insights

Dr. Mariell Jessup, the AHA's chief science and medical officer, stated, "Improving care for patients with heart failure needs a collaborative, team-oriented approach. By integrating diverse care teams and leveraging real-world data, we’re poised to elevate care standards and improve outcomes for millions diagnosed with heart failure."

40 Hospitals Join the Mission

The AHA has partnered with 40 hospitals across the nation for this inaugural initiative. These facilities will have exclusive access to collaborate with leading experts, gain educational resources, and exchange effective quality improvement strategies.

Bayer's Commitment to Heart Health

Dr. Robert Perkins, Bayer's vice president of U.S. medical affairs for cardiovascular and renal programs, emphasized, "Our commitment to advancing science that transforms patient care is unwavering, particularly in complex areas like HFpEF and HFmrEF, where evidence gaps persist. We proudly support the AHA in identifying and scaling effective care models that will enhance patient outcomes for those battling heart failure."

Stay Updated!

For the latest insights from the IMPLEMENT-EF initiative and more information, visit heart.org/IMPLEMENTEF.