Effect of sacubitril/valsartan on endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in patients with chronic heart failure

Background Heart failure (HF) is associated to endothelial dysfunction, a pathological condition characterized by imbalance between the production of vasoconstrictor and vasodilator factors, increase in the production of cytokines, down-regulation of eNOS, platelets activation and increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, endothelial dysfunction promotes the increase of arterial stiffness, augmenting myocardial damage. Sacubitril/Valsartan (sac/val) is used in the treatment of HF reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and has been proven effective in reducing CV disease progression and all-cause mortality in HFrEF patients. Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of sac/val on endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in patients with HFrEF, at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Moreover, we evaluated the effects of sac/val on oxidative stress levels and platelets activation. Methods We enrolled 46 Caucasian patients (mean age 70.1±7.1), suffering from HFrEF. Inclusion criteria were EF Results The mean dose of sac/val was 180.5±110 mg without serious adverse events. At 6 months, data showed a significant improvement in in hemodynamic and clinical parameters such as heart rate (HR) (p Conclusion The treatment with sac/val improved endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness, due to reduced levels of oxidative stress, platelet activation and inflammation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.