Continuation Versus Interruption of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Brief Report

Evidence suggests that interruption of beta-blockers during acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in the absence of contraindications leads to poorer long-term outcomes. This study assesses whether similar effects occur when interrupting renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RASi) therapy in ADHF. Data were retrospectively analyzed from patients admitted from 2015 to 2020 with ADHF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <= 40% taking RASi therapy prior to admission. Patients were excluded if they required acute inotropic therapy or mechanical circulatory support, had worsening renal function (WRF), hyperkalemia, or symptomatic hypotension on admission. The primary endpoint was readmission for heart failure, which was analyzed using Cox regression analysis. One-hundred patients were included, with 22 patients in the interruption group and 78 patients in the continuation group. Baseline characteristics for each group were similar except for older age (67.4 vs 58.9 years; P = .014) and lower systolic blood pressure (120.5 vs 132.3 mm Hg; P = .037) in the interruption group. Interrupting RASi therapy was associated with a nonsignificant increase in the primary outcome (13.6% vs 5.1%; P = .177). Patients continuing RASi therapy were discharged on higher doses (10.1 vs 17.9 mg lisinopril equivalents; P = .044). Additionally, patients with interrupted RASi therapy were more likely to be re-admitted for WRF at 30-, 60-, and 90-day increments and at any-time after discharge (P < .05 for all). Adverse effects were similar except for more frequent hypotension in the interruption group at 72 hours (40.9% vs 14.1%; P = .013) and at any time (50% vs 19.2%; P = .004). In patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure, RASi continuation in the absence of contraindications appears safe and was associated with more optimal guideline-directed medical therapy at discharge.