2023 Focused Update of the ESC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure – Key Updates

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has released the 2023 Focused Update to the 2021 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure. This update integrates the latest clinical evidence to enhance patient care and optimize treatment strategies.

 Key Updates:

• Refined Heart Failure Classification: Emphasizing Heart Failure with Improved Ejection Fraction (HFimpEF) as a distinct category.
• Updated Pharmacological Recommendations: Stronger endorsement of SGLT2 inhibitors as foundational therapy for all heart failure patients, regardless of ejection fraction.
• Personalized Treatment Strategies: Tailored therapeutic approaches based on biomarkers, imaging, and genetic considerations.
• Enhanced Use of Implantable Devices: Expanded indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in selected patients.
• Acute Heart Failure Management: Revised recommendations for diuretic strategies, vasodilators, and inotropic support to improve acute-phase treatment.
• Focus on Comorbidities: Updated guidance on managing iron deficiency, kidney disease, and diabetes in heart failure patients.
• Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring: Encouragement of digital health solutions for early intervention and long-term management.

For further details, refer to the full 2023 ESC Focused Update on Heart Failure:
 ESC 2023 Heart Failure Guidelines Update

Reference:
European Society of Cardiology. 2023 Focused Update of the 2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. Eur Heart J. 2023. Available from: https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines