Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors on Health-Related Quality of Life and Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure Patients With a Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Scoping Review

This scoping review examines the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and exercise capacity in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Five randomized controlled trials were analyzed, revealing consistent improvements in HRQoL metrics, such as the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores and exercise capacity, measured by the six-minute walk distance (6MWD). The findings suggest that SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly enhance physical functioning and overall well-being in HFpEF patients. These benefits align with existing literature on SGLT-2 inhibitors' efficacy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), indicating broader applicability across heart failure phenotypes. However, the review highlights the need for long-term studies to confirm sustained benefits and further investigate the underlying mechanisms. Methodological improvements, such as standardized outcome measures, are also recommended to enhance future research robustness. Clinically, these findings advocate for incorporating SGLT-2 inhibitors into HFpEF management strategies, emphasizing their potential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Future research should focus on diverse patient populations and long-term effects to optimize the therapeutic use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in HFpEF.