What does Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) do for atrial flutter?

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Last updated: February 21, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Entresto is not specifically indicated or recommended for treating atrial flutter, as it is primarily used to treat heart failure, not cardiac arrhythmias like flutter. Entresto, a combination of sacubitril and valsartan, works by enhancing the body's protective neurohormonal systems and blocking the harmful effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which helps improve heart function and reduce strain on the heart in patients with heart failure 1.

For atrial flutter, standard treatments typically include:

  • Rate control medications (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers)
  • Rhythm control medications (e.g., antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone)
  • Anticoagulation to prevent blood clots
  • Cardioversion (electrical or pharmacological) to restore normal heart rhythm
  • Catheter ablation for long-term management, as recommended by the 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline for the management of adult patients with supraventricular tachycardia 2, 3, 4.

If a patient has both heart failure and atrial flutter, Entresto may be part of their overall treatment plan for the heart failure component, but separate management would be needed for the flutter itself, as suggested by the guidelines 5. Always consult with a cardiologist for proper diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Entresto (Sacubitril/Valsartan) and Atrial Flutter

  • There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) is used to treat atrial flutter 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
  • The studies focus on the treatment of atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but do not mention the use of Entresto for atrial flutter specifically.
  • Atrial flutter is a type of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia that can be treated with various medical interventions, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological therapy, and catheter ablation 6, 8.
  • Entresto is approved for the treatment of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and has been shown to reduce the incidence of death from cardiovascular causes and hospitalization for worsening heart failure 9, 10.

Treatment Options for Atrial Flutter

  • Catheter ablation is increasingly used as a first-line treatment option for atrial flutter in certain patients 6, 8.
  • Pharmacological therapy, including antiarrhythmic drugs, can also be used to treat atrial flutter, but the choice of drug depends on various factors, including efficacy, safety, and patient characteristics 7.
  • Electrical cardioversion is another treatment option for atrial flutter, but it may not be suitable for all patients 6.

References

Research

Atrial flutter: a focus on treatment options for a common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.

Journal of cardiovascular medicine (Hagerstown, Md.), 2007

Research

Drug choices in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

The American journal of cardiology, 2000

Research

[Contemporary treatment of atrial flutter].

Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique, 2014

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.