Early Reduction of Pulmonary Artery Pressures Improves Mortality in Heart Failure Patients

Strategic Insights -

Patients with elevated pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PAD) are at a higher risk of mortality, and a new study suggests that reducing PAD early on can improve long-term mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center analyzed data from over 9,500 patients who received an implantable pulmonary artery pressure monitor between 2017 and 2022. The study found that patients with acceptable PAD at baseline had a lower 2-year risk of mortality compared to those with elevated PAD. The researchers concluded that early reduction of pulmonary artery pressures is associated with improved mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure, highlighting the need for standardization of management algorithms that target elevated PAD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 9,579 patients who received an implantable pulmonary artery pressure monitor between 2017 and 2022.
  • Baseline PAD was elevated in 64.1% of the patients, and the 2-year risk of mortality was lower for those with acceptable PAD compared to elevated PAD (HR: 0.68 [95% CI: 0.62-0.73]; P
  • The study found that patients with acceptable PAD had a 32% lower risk of mortality compared to those with elevated PAD at baseline.
  • The research highlights the need to develop novel strategies, including standardization of management algorithms that target elevated PAD.
  • The study's findings emphasize the importance of early reduction of pulmonary artery pressures in improving long-term mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure.
  • The research includes the work of Sandip Zalawadiya, Jacob Abraham, Lisa Rathman, Kunjan Bhatt, Gillian Grafton, Joyce Chuang, Nessa Johnson, Allison Connolly, and JoAnn Lindenfeld.

Statistics:

  • 64.1% of patients had elevated bypass PAD at baseline.
  • The 2-year risk of mortality was higher for patients with elevated PAD compared to those with acceptable PAD (HR: 1.32 [95% CI: 1.25-1.40]; P
  • Patients with acceptable PAD at baseline had a 32% lower risk of mortality compared to those with elevated PAD.
  • The study analyzed data from over 9,500 patients who received an implantable pulmonary artery pressure monitor between 2017 and 2022.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Report New Data on Heart Failure (Early Reduction of Pulmonary Artery Pressures Is Associated With Improved Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Heart Failure). Cardiovascular Week. October 20, 2025; p 116.
  • Early Reduction of Pulmonary Artery Pressures Is Associated With Improved Mortality Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Heart Failure. JACC, 2025;13(10):102589.