Rami Kahwash, MD, leads landmark trial that monitors heart failure strategies

Rami Kahwash, MD, has simultaneously published two original research articles in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlighting findings from the ALLEVIATE-HF trial – one of the largest studies to-date examining advanced monitoring strategies in heart failure – that included examination of personalized, risk-based, nurse-managed interventions. Together, the findings provide a more comprehensive model for cardiologists managing heart failure, a complex condition that affects millions of patients; the findings also provide a more proactive and data-driven approach to cardiovascular care.

Heart failure affects more than 6 million adults in the United States, increasing the risk of arrhythmias due to structural and electrical remodeling, elevated filling pressures and myocardial fibrosis. More than 700 patients with heart failure were enrolled in the ALLEVIATE-HF clinical study which showed that more than 3 in 4 heart failure patients (77%) implanted with a Reveal LINQ™ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) experienced arrhythmias within two years. Results showed that:

• 65% of participants experienced atrial fibrillation (AF).
• 42% experienced bradycardia/pause.
• 12% experienced ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation.
• Within three years, 1 in 4 patients received a cardiac implantable electronic device, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, while 26% received an AF ablation within two years. ­­­­­­­­­

These insights bring to light the existing severity of burden of arrhythmias in a broad group of heart failure patients, leading to significantly higher treatment rates. They also show that patients could benefit from: 

• Long-term, continuous arrhythmia monitoring with the LINQ family of ICMs.
• Timely access to proven therapies that help alleviate symptoms.
• Earlier detection of arrhythmias signaling needed advanced care.