The American Heart Association has launched a new three-year initiative to address significant gaps in care for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). These two conditions collectively account for up to 75% of all heart failure cases, yet clinical research and treatment evidence remain substantially limited compared to other heart failure types.
The IMPLEMENT-EF quality improvement initiative, supported by Bayer, will focus on mapping gaps in the patient journey to identify unmet needs and define ideal care models. HFpEF occurs when an individual has heart failure but maintains an ejection fraction of 50% or higher, while HFmrEF involves a reduced ejection fraction between 41%-49%. Treatment for both conditions requires earlier recognition and prompt initiation of evidence-based therapies to improve health outcomes.
Dr. Mariell Jessup, chief science and medical officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized that improving care for these patients demands more than just clinical knowledge. The initiative will engage a network of multidisciplinary care teams, including pharmacists, to ensure patients receive appropriate medications, raise provider awareness of best care practices, and improve adherence to evidence-based therapies using insights from Get With The Guidelines® - Heart Failure data.
The program will include various professional educational offerings such as a podcast series, eLearning modules, and live presentations. A Science Advisory Panel will guide the development of these educational materials to enhance clinical understanding and encourage best practices. The Association has recruited 40 hospitals for the inaugural program, where teams will collaborate with other facilities and nationally recognized experts while accessing exclusive educational resources.
Dr. Robert Perkins, vice president of U.S. medical affairs cardiovascular and renal at Bayer, stated the company's commitment to advancing science that transforms patient care, particularly in areas like HFpEF and HFmrEF where treatment gaps persist. Findings from the initiative will inform the American Heart Association's broader approach to patient care and help scale effective, replicable models nationwide. Additional information about the initiative is available at heart.org/IMPLEMENTEF.
