From the Research
SGLT2 inhibitors do help reduce BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) levels in patients with heart failure, as evidenced by a significant reduction in pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels by 136.03 pg/ml, according to a 2024 meta-analysis 1. The medications, which include empagliflozin (Jardiance), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and canagliflozin (Invokana), have been shown to improve cardiac function and health status in chronic heart failure patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. The typical dosing is empagliflozin 10mg daily, dapagliflozin 10mg daily, or canagliflozin 100-300mg daily. SGLT2 inhibitors work by reducing sodium and fluid retention, decreasing cardiac preload and afterload, and improving cardiac energy metabolism, leading to reduced myocardial wall stress, which directly lowers BNP production by the heart. Key benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors include:
- Reduced hospitalizations for heart failure
- Improved cardiovascular outcomes
- Increased 6-minute walk distance by 23.98 m
- Improved Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores These medications provide benefits beyond glucose control, making them valuable for patients with elevated BNP levels, particularly those with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), as supported by recent studies 2, 3, 4.