Importance of Vascular Function in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract

There had been no effective cardioprotective medications for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Therefore, treatment intervention at the hypertension (HT) stage (stage A), which is a major factor in HFpEF, is necessary. In fact, the SPRINT and STEP trials reported that strict and intensive blood pressure (BP) control was useful, reducing approximately 25% of the primary endpoints, including cardiovascular events. The effectiveness of BP reduction for HFpEF after the onset of HF (stage C or D) has been reported and shown to generally follow the J-curve phenomenon. Both left ventricular systolic/diastolic dysfunction and vascular failure are related with the pathophysiology of HF. In the case of coexisting vascular failure, BP lowering treatment is effective, because it decreases the afterload. However, BP lowering treatment has been reported to increase the incidence of renal dysfunction; therefore, paying attention to the degree of association with vascular failure, and multiple organs when determining the target BP are important to consider. The decision on the target BP and the optimal choice of cardioprotective/antihypertensive medications for HF should be based on the pathologic condition.