Treatment of PH With Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker and Neprilysin Inhibitor in HFpEF Patients With CardioMEMS Device

Fluid overload leading to increased PA pressure is one of the primary causes of HF related hospitalizations in HFpEF. Signs and symptoms of fluid overload are not sensitive enough to reflect early pathophysiologic changes that increase the risk of decompensation. Elevations in PA pressure may increase several days or weeks before signs and symptoms manifest. The CardioMEMS device is a small wireless sensor that is permanently implanted in the PA via a catheter inserted through the femoral vein. The sensor measures PA pressure and is paired with a portable electronic transmitter. The system allows patients to wirelessly transmit pressure readings to a secure online database from which treating physicians can access the data and adjust medication in response to PA pressure changes. The CHAMPION trial was a single blind randomized clinical trial that showed a significant and large reduction in hospitalizations in patients with NYHA class III HF who were managed with a the CardioMEMS device. More recently, real life clinical practice has confirmed the value of PA pressure-guided therapy for HF. PA pressures were reduced, lower rates of HF hospitalizations and all-cause hospitalization, and low rates of adverse events across a broad range of patients with symptomatic HF and prior HF hospitalizations were reported. The angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) led to a reduced risk of hospitalization for HF or death from cardiovascular causes among patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction in the PARADIGM-HF trial. However it did not result in a significantly lower rate of total hospitalizations for HF and death from cardiovascular causes among patients with HF and an ejection fraction of 45% or higher in the PARAGON-HF trial, despite there was suggestion of heterogeneity with possible benefit with sacubitril-valsartan in patients with lower ejection fraction and in women. ARNI reduced pulmonary pressures and vascular remodeling in an animal model of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and may be appropriate for treatment of PH and right ventricle dysfunction. Data are lacking on the hemodynamic effects of ARNI on pulmonary hypertension in patients with HFpEF. This study will assess the impact of sacubitril/valsartan on PA pressures measured using an implanted PA monitoring device. The device will be used according to approved indications.