People in the UK with heart failure are being given large amounts of drugs at the start of treatment after global studies found this to result in a major reduction in death.
Experts say the new approach could mean that people with a fatal potential condition will begin receiving the ideal amount of medication within two weeks of diagnosis rather than months.
Evidence from other countries already using treatments has been found to reduce heart failure deaths by 62% and reduce the risk of returning to hospital by 30%. They were in it Important findings of strong HF trials 87 hospitals are involved in 14 countries.
Approximately 1 million people in the UK have heart failure, which is incurable. It means that the heart can no longer effectively pump blood around the body, leaving the patient breathless and tired.
St. George’s Hospital in London and Moriston Hospital in Swansea have begun treatment of patients in innovative ways.
Clinical staff compared an approach known as “rapid titration” to a way in which cancer patients are given full doses of chemotherapy from the start of treatment to improve their chances of recovery.
“Heart failure is a quiet murderer, so this new way of treating patients is a complete game changer that I never thought would look like a lifetime. It will save many lives and bring hope to many families.”
“On the days that passed, we started the patient with a very low dose and increased it with a very small dose. It could take nine to 12 months to reach the optimal dose.
“Strong-HF was able to think completely differently for us. We can provide patients with reviews a week after discharge and catch them before they get sick enough to have to return to hospital.
“And you can get the recommended treatment for heart failure within two to three weeks, not nine to 12 months.”
The Global Trial showed that “establishing patients with these drugs reduces the likelihood of death by 62% and the likelihood of readmission for heart failure by 30%.
Professor Simon Roy, National Clinical Director of Heart Disease at NHS England, said: “This treatment can change the health outlook for thousands of people affected by heart failure. This is another example of how the NHS is providing a commitment to ensuring patients have access to the latest and most effective treatments to improve quality of life.”
St. George uses an approach with 14 patients who were taken to hospital with heart failure and plans to use it in 100 such cases a year. Moriston is expected to handle 500 people from Swansea and Nice Port Talbot this year.
Dr. Parin Shah, a consultant cardiologist at Morriston, who specializes in heart failure, said that the drugs patients receive are very strong and that they will check their blood pressure and kidney function before taking part in the trial to assess their suitability.
“Not everyone can handle this. Some people may not tolerate such intensive treatment. We knew it would suit a relatively small number of people, but it would benefit them quite a bit,” Shah said.
Emily McGrath, a senior heart nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said the treatment “sees very promising.”
The government aims to reduce avoidable deaths caused by the UK’s biggest killers, including heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Health said, “We praise St. George’s incredible team for this extraordinary breakthrough that demonstrates that the NHS is at the forefront of global healthcare innovation.”
