Racial, Ethnic Differences in Heart Failure Outcomes, with Justin Mark, MD

New data from an analysis of the FIGHT trial presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2025 Annual Scientific Sessions details significant disparities in heart failure outcomes among patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following hospitalization.

A phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of patients with established heart failure and reduced LVEF who were recently hospitalized, the FIGHT trial was published in 2016 and concluded use of liraglutide did not lead to greater posthospitalization clinical stability, which was the trial’s primary endpoint.

The ACC.25 data presented by Justin Mark, MD, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Holy Cross Health, was a secondary analysis of the FIGHT trial examining racial and ethnic disparities in heart failure outcomes from the trial, regardless of treatment assignment. Of the original 300 participants enrolled in the FIGHT trial, Mark and colleagues included 289 participants in the current analysis.

Results suggested non-White patients were significantly younger at baseline (55 vs. 64 years, P <.001) but had more severe disease, as evidenced by lower LVEF (21% vs. 25%, P = .04) and shorter 6-minute walk distances (190 vs. 251 m, P = .01). At 180 days, mortality rates were similar between racial and ethnic groups in both adjusted and unadjusted analyses. However, non-White patients had a higher rate of HF readmission (45% vs. 33%, P = .03) and greater increases in NT-proBNP levels (253 vs 196 pg/mL, P = .003), suggesting more significant worsening of HF status over time.

For more on this study, check out our interview with Mark from the conference floor at ACC.25.

Mark has no relevant disclosures to report.

Reference:

1. Mark J, Lopez J, Tracy. Racial Differences in Advanced Heart Failure Patients: Insights from the FIGHT Trial. JACC: Heart Failure. Published online March 29, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.jchf.2025.03.005

2. Margulies KB, Hernandez AF, Redfield MM, et al. Effects of Liraglutide on Clinical Stability Among Patients With Advanced Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2016;316(5):500–508. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.10260