Expert Consensus Decision Pathway for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: Implications for Transitions of Care

Management of heart failure (HF) has evolved over the past few years, prompting the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to release a 2021 Update to Expert Consensus Decision Pathway for Optimization of Heart Failure Treatment to provide guidance and recommendations on clinical care of HF patients with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). New therapies for HFrEF have emerged that expand the arsenal for this patient population, particularly angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. However, use of guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) is still suboptimal, and there is a need for pharmacists to assist in improving medication adherence. This podcast episode provides general practitioners an update on new evidence for pharmacotherapy and provides guidance on how to initiate GDMT in patients with HFrEF successfully in both inpatient and outpatient settings.      The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.