A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Double-dummy, Parallel Group, Active-controlled, Forced-titration, 12-week Comparison of Combined Angiotensin-neprilysin Inhibition With Sacubitril and Valsartan Versus Enalapril on Changes in Central Aortic Stiffness in Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Double-dummy, Parallel Group, Active-controlled, Forced-titration, 12-week Comparison of Combined Angiotensin-neprilysin Inhibition With Sacubitril and Valsartan Versus Enalapril on Changes in Central Aortic Stiffness in Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
To determine whether treatment with sacubitril/valsartan provides a superior effect on aortic characteristic impedance compared to enalapril in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 40%) after 12 weeks of treatment. The primary endpoint is the change in aortic characteristic impedance (Zc = dP/dQ in early systole) between baseline and Week 12.
Inclusion Criteria:
History of HTN and one of the following at BOTH screening and pre-randomization:
NYHA class I-III heart failure and with reduced ejection fraction </= 40%, as determined by any local measurement made within the past 12 months using echocardiography, MUGA, CT scanning, MRI, ventricular angiography or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), provided no subsequent measurement above 40%. Patients who have had an intervening medical event (e.g. myocardial infarction) or procedure (e.g. revascularization, cardiac resynchronization), must have a reassessment of EF ≥ 3 months following the event to ensure that eligibility criteria are still met.
On stable doses of treatment with guideline-directed therapy, other than ACEis and ARBs prior to randomization.
On an optimal medical regiment of diuretics and background medications to effectively treat co-morbidities such as HTN, DM, and coronary artery disease.
Key Exclusion Criteria: