Racial and Ethnic Differences in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy from ARISE-HF, with Jose Lopez, MD

An analysis from the ARISE-HF trial is shedding further light on racial and ethnic differences in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM).

Presented at American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2025 Annual Scientific Sessions, this secondary analysis provides insight into the differences in baseline characteristics as well as disease progression in both the AT-001 and placebo groups.1

The ARISE-HF trial was presented at ACC.24 and concluded use of AT-001, an aldose reductase inhibitor, did not result in significantly better exercise capacity compared with placebo.2

Results from the secondary analysis presented at ACC.25 demonstrated that Black and Hispanic patients in the placebo group experienced significantly greater declines in peak VO2 compared to White patients (-0.74 and -1.67 vs. -0.23 mL/kg/min, respectively; P = .005). Black patients in the placebo arm also had the greatest declines in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores, indicating worse symptom burden and quality of life, with similar but less pronounced declines observed in the AT-001 group. Although AT-001 treatment showed a trend toward a 50% slower decline in peak VO2, this effect did not reach statistical significance across racial and ethnic groups.1

According to investigators, these findings highlight significant racial and ethnic disparities in DbCM progression, likely driven by differences in baseline disease severity, comorbid conditions, and broader social determinants of health. Although AT-001’s effects on functional capacity were consistent across racial and ethnic groups, further research is needed to address underlying disparities and optimize treatment strategies for high-risk populations.1

For more on this study, check out our interview with lead investigator Jose Lopez, MD, of the University of Miami JFK Medical Center, from the conference floor at ACC.25.

Lopez has no relevant disclosures to report.

Reference:

1. Lopez JL, Liu Y, Butler J, et al. RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC CARDIOMYOPATHY TREATED WITH AN ALDOLASE REDUCTASE INHIBITOR: THE ARISE-HF TRIAL. Presented at: American College of Cardiology (ACC.25) Annual Scientific Session. March 29 – 31, 2025. Chicago, Il.

2. Januzzi JL Jr, Butler J, Del Prato S, et al. Randomized Trial of a Selective Aldose Reductase Inhibitor in Patients With Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2024;84(2):137-148. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2024.03.380