Ins and Outs: Perspectives of Inpatient Prescribing for Sacubitril/Valsartan

Abstract

Heart failure is a major public health concern with a rising prevalence and significant financial detriment. Although sacubitril/valsartan was shown to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization from heart failure in a contemporary cohort, it continues to remain substantially underutilized. A recent article in the Annals highlights the evidence behind inpatient initiation of sacubitril/valsartan. We provide further considerations and summarize the evidence for inpatient initiation of other guideline directed medical therapies. Overall, there is a need to improve methods to identify ideal populations and increase utilization in those who may benefit from sacubitril/valsartan. Further research is also needed to identify the risks versus benefits among underrepresented populations (i.e., advanced heart failure, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, in conjunction with other contemporary evidence-based therapies that can lower blood pressure, etc.).