Reducing CVD risk in high risk patients (CHF, MI, AF and Māori and Pacific and Indian

Professor Doughty will cover the four medication pillars for treating congestive heart failure, including the importance of an echo in directing treatment.

The need for “rapid” up-titration of the neurohormonal blockade medications (i.e. ACE/ARB, beta-blockade, mineralocorticoid inhibitors and neprilysin inhibitors) and the issue of maximum dosing will be discussed.

A Heart failure diagnosis means the patients are at high cardiovascular risk. Hence, controlling risk factors such as tobacco and methamphetamine use, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose is essential. Being aware of high-risk populations such as men from the Indian subcontinent and equity issues with Māori and Pacific patients is also important.

The availability of SGLT2 inhibitors Empagliflozin for reduced ejection fraction will be covered as this medication can help with diabetes and heart failure.

This session will be repeated at 4.40pm