Heart failure is a major global health challenge, but exciting new medications are changing the way doctors manage it. This in-depth article reviews breakthrough drugs such as vericiguat, SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, sotagliflozin), omecamtiv mecarbil, intravenous iron therapies, and semaglutide. Backed by high-quality clinical trials, these therapies offer hope for reducing hospitalizations, improving survival, and enhancing quality of life. Learn how Doctors365.org makes expert cardiology consultations easy, secure, and accessible from anywhere. With 24/7 online access, patients can review medications, track symptoms, and prepare for long-term success in managing heart failure. Book your appointment today with our trusted specialists.

1. Heart failure remains one of the most pressing health challenges worldwide, affecting millions of people and placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems. While traditional medications have improved survival and quality of life, many patients continue to struggle with frequent hospitalizations, reduced exercise tolerance, and poor prognosis.

This article explores new drugs in heart failure—what they are, how they work, and why they matter today. You’ll learn about breakthrough therapies like SGLT2 inhibitors, vericiguat, omecamtiv mecarbil, intravenous iron therapies, and semaglutide, all backed by recent high-quality clinical trials.

We’ll also explain how Doctors365.org can help you connect with experienced cardiologists for safe, convenient, and secure online consultations.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: If you are experiencing chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or any other life-threatening symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Online consultations are not a substitute for emergency care.

2. Understanding Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) means the heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet the body’s needs. This doesn’t mean the heart has stopped, but that it’s “weaker” or “stiffer” than it should be.

2.1 Types of Heart Failure

• HFrEF (Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction): The heart muscle is weak, and pumping ability is reduced.
• HFpEF (Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction): The heart contracts normally but is stiff, making it harder to fill.
• HFmrEF (Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction): A newer category that sits between HFrEF and HFpEF.

2.2 Common Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in legs or ankles
• Fatigue and weakness
• Rapid weight gain from fluid retention

Complications include repeated hospital admissions, arrhythmias, kidney problems, and even sudden cardiac death.

3. Traditional Treatment Approaches

For decades, standard treatment has included:

• ACE inhibitors/ARBs/ARNIs – relax blood vessels, reduce heart strain
• Beta-blockers – slow heart rate, improve survival
• Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists – reduce harmful hormones
• Diuretics – relieve fluid overload

While these drugs have saved lives, gaps remain. Many patients continue to deteriorate, highlighting the need for new drugs that target different mechanisms.

4. Why New Drugs Matter

The introduction of new medications offers:

• Fewer hospitalizations → reduced healthcare costs and improved quality of life
• Better survival rates → giving patients more years free from heart failure events
• More personalized therapy → tailored to specific patient needs, including those with diabetes, obesity, or iron deficiency

5. Vericiguat (VICTORIA Trial)

How it works: Vericiguat stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), improving blood vessel function and heart performance.

Evidence: The VICTORIA trial showed that vericiguat significantly reduced the combined risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization compared to placebo in high-risk patients with HFrEF [1].

Who may benefit:

• Patients with recent worsening of heart failure
• Those already on standard therapy but still symptomatic

6. SGLT2 Inhibitors (Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, Sotagliflozin)

Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors have revolutionized heart failure management—even in patients without diabetes.

6.1 Empagliflozin

• EMPEROR-Reduced trial (2020): Reduced cardiovascular death or hospitalization in HFrEF patients, regardless of diabetes status [2].
• EMPEROR-Preserved trial (2021): First major success in HFpEF, lowering risk of hospitalization [3].

6.2 Dapagliflozin

• DELIVER trial (2022): Beneficial in HFmrEF and HFpEF patients [4].
• DAPA-HF trial + meta-analysis: Showed consistent benefit across the entire spectrum of ejection fraction [5].

6.3 Sotagliflozin

• SOLOIST-WHF trial (2021): In patients with diabetes and recent worsening heart failure, sotagliflozin reduced cardiovascular deaths and hospital visits [6].

7. Omecamtiv Mecarbil (GALACTIC-HF Trial)

A novel cardiac myosin activator, omecamtiv mecarbil helps the heart contract more effectively.

Evidence: The GALACTIC-HF trial showed improved outcomes in patients with systolic heart failure compared with placebo [7].

This drug is unique because it targets the heart muscle directly, unlike most therapies that work by modifying hormones or kidney function.

8. Iron Therapy in Heart Failure

Iron deficiency is common in heart failure, even without anemia, and worsens symptoms and outcomes.

8.1 Ferric Carboxymaltose

• AFFIRM-AHF trial (2020): Reduced rehospitalization rates in patients with iron deficiency after acute heart failure [8].

8.2 Ferric Derisomaltose

• IRONMAN trial (2022): Showed improved outcomes and fewer hospitalizations in chronic heart failure patients [9].

9. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Semaglutide (STEP-HFpEF Trial)

Obesity worsens HFpEF symptoms.

STEP-HFpEF trial (2023): Semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly led to:

• Greater weight loss
• Better exercise capacity
• Reduced heart failure symptoms compared to placebo [10].

10. Combination Therapies & Lifetime Gains

A cross-trial analysis estimated that patients receiving comprehensive therapy (ARNI + beta-blocker + MRA + SGLT2 inhibitor) could gain up to 8 extra years of life free from hospitalization or death compared with conventional therapy [11].

This highlights why early adoption of new drugs is crucial.

11. Practical Considerations for Patients

Who is eligible?

• Patients with symptomatic HFrEF, HFpEF, or HFmrEF
• Those not fully stabilized on standard therapy

Safety & monitoring

• Blood pressure, kidney function, electrolytes should be checked
• Side effects vary by drug (e.g., low blood pressure, genital infections with SGLT2 inhibitors)

Online vs in-person

• Online: prescription renewals, symptom tracking, medication adjustments
• In-person: severe worsening symptoms, chest pain, need for advanced imaging

12. How Doctors365.org Works

Booking with Doctors365 is simple:

1. Browse doctors → Cardiology directory
2. Pick a time that suits you
3. Confirm & pay securely online
4. Attend your visit via encrypted video platform
5. Receive summary with prescriptions, referrals, or follow-up instructions

13. Benefits of Online Heart Failure Care

• 24/7 access from home or abroad
• Secure & private with encrypted communication
• Save time & costs by avoiding travel and waiting rooms
• Trusted cardiologists with verified credentials

14. Meet Our Cardiologists

1. Dr. Abdeldayem Hassanein – Cardiologist, Egypt

Dr. Hassanein is an experienced cardiologist and family physician with over 40 years of medical practice. He has extensive expertise in emergency medicine, family medicine, and cardiac care, with specialized training in echocardiography and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). He has also contributed to medical quality projects and published research in preventive medicine and herbal therapies.

2. Dr. Abdulrazak Abyad – Cardiologist & Geriatric Specialist, Lebanon / UAE

Dr. Abyad is a senior cardiologist and geriatrician with an international career. He is the CEO of Abyad Medical Center and has served as a consultant for the World Health Organization. His expertise covers cardiovascular diseases, heart failure management, elderly care, and quality of life improvement. He has a strong academic background and has authored numerous scientific papers on aging, dementia, and chronic disease management.

3. Dr. Abner Rivas Abejo – Cardiologist & Internal Medicine Specialist, Philippines / UAE

Dr. Abejo is a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology with a solid background in emergency care, inpatient and outpatient cardiology, and disease prevention. He has worked at leading hospitals in Dubai, Singapore, and the Maldives, providing high-quality care for patients with heart failure and chronic cardiovascular conditions. He is also trained in patient safety and antibiotic stewardship.

These specialists are available for online consultations to review your symptoms, medications, and test results.

15. Online vs Emergency Care

Online care is appropriate for:

• Medication adjustments
• Symptom diary reviews
• Lab test follow-ups

Seek urgent care if you experience:

• Severe chest pain
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Fainting or confusion
• Rapid swelling of legs/abdomen

16. Pricing and Availability

• Consultation costs vary by provider
• Follow-up visits and test result discussions are often cheaper
• Evening & weekend appointments available for flexibility

17. Preparing for Your Online Visit

• Test your device (camera, mic, internet)
• Keep a symptom diary (breathing, fatigue, swelling)
• Record home measurements (weight, blood pressure, heart rate)
• List your current medications

18. FAQs

1. Are these new drugs safe for everyone?No. Safety depends on your health, kidney function, and comorbidities. Your cardiologist will assess eligibility.

2. Can I request these medications online?Yes, but only after medical evaluation. Online doctors can prescribe if appropriate.

3. What tests are needed before starting therapy?Blood tests, echocardiogram, kidney function, and iron levels may be required.

4. Do these drugs replace traditional therapy?No. They complement standard drugs to improve outcomes.

5. How do I know if I need in-person care?If symptoms suddenly worsen or new severe chest pain occurs, seek emergency care.

19. Conclusion & Call to Action

Heart failure management has entered a new era. Drugs like vericiguat, SGLT2 inhibitors, omecamtiv mecarbil, iron therapies, and semaglutide are improving survival, reducing hospitalizations, and enhancing quality of life.

💡 Don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Book your consultation with a cardiologist today via Doctors365 Cardiology.

20. References (Vancouver Style)

1. Armstrong PW, Pieske B, Anstrom KJ, Ezekowitz J, Hernandez AF, Butler J, et al. Vericiguat in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(20):1883–93.
2. Packer M, Anker SD, Butler J, Filippatos G, Pocock SJ, Carson P, et al. Cardiovascular and renal outcomes with empagliflozin in heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(15):1413–24.
3. Anker SD, Butler J, Filippatos G, Ferreira JP, Bocchi E, Böhm M, et al. Empagliflozin in heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(16):1451–61.
4. Solomon SD, McMurray JJV, Claggett B, de Boer RA, DeMets D, Hernandez AF, et al. Dapagliflozin in heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(12):1089–98.
5. Jhund PS, Kondo T, Butt JH, Docherty KF, Claggett BL, Desai AS, et al. Dapagliflozin across the range of ejection fraction in patients with heart failure: a pooled meta-analysis of DAPA-HF and DELIVER. Nat Med. 2022;28(9):1956–64.
6. Bhatt DL, Szarek M, Steg PG, Cannon CP, Leiter LA, McGuire DK, et al. Sotagliflozin in patients with diabetes and recent worsening heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(2):117–28.
7. Teerlink JR, Diaz R, Felker GM, McMurray JJV, Metra M, Solomon SD, et al. Cardiac myosin activation with omecamtiv mecarbil in systolic heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(2):105–16.
8. Ponikowski P, Kirwan B-A, Anker SD, McDonagh T, Dorobantu M, Drozdz J, et al. Ferric carboxymaltose for iron deficiency at discharge after acute heart failure: AFFIRM-AHF. Lancet. 2020;396(10266):1895–904.
9. Kalra PR, Cleland JGF, Petrie MC, Thomson EA, Kalra PA, Squire IB, et al. Intravenous ferric derisomaltose in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency (IRONMAN). Lancet. 2022;400(10369):2199–209.
10. Kosiborod MN, Abildstrøm SZ, Borlaug BA, Butler J, Rasmussen S, Davies M, et al. Semaglutide in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and obesity. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(12):1069–84.
11. Vaduganathan M, Claggett BL, Jhund PS, Cunningham JW, Ferreira JP, Zannad F, et al. Estimating lifetime benefits of comprehensive pharmacological therapy in HFrEF. Lancet. 2020;396(10244):121–8.

Author: Dr. Diellza Rabushaj
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Spec Orhan Karahodza