British Hospitals Introduce Rapid Titration for Heart Failure, Reducing Mortality by 62%
Hospitals across Britain are adopting a new approach to treating heart failure, known as rapid titration, which involves giving patients higher doses of medication soon after diagnosis. The method is based on the international Strong-HF trial and has led to dramatic reductions in death and hospital readmission rates.
Introduction
An estimated one million people in the UK live with heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood around the body. Symptoms often include fatigue and breathlessness. Traditionally, patients are started on low doses of medication that are gradually increased over several months. However, a new method—rapid titration—administers the full treatment dose within two to three weeks of diagnosis.
The Strong-HF trial, conducted in 87 hospitals across 14 countries, found that this approach reduced deaths from heart failure by 62% and cut the risk of hospital readmission by 30%.
Implementation in UK Hospitals
St George’s Hospital in London and Morriston Hospital in Swansea are among the first in the UK to implement the new protocol. Matthew Sunter, lead heart failure nurse at St George’s, said:
“Heart failure is a silent killer, so this new way of treating patients is a total gamechanger that I never thought I’d see in my lifetime. It will save many lives and bring hope to so many families.”
He added: “In days gone by, we would just send people home from hospital with a small dose of one or two drugs. Strong-HF has allowed us to totally change our practice. Now we see people every week for four weeks. And we can get them on to four drugs at the right doses very quickly.”
St George’s has treated 14 patients so far and aims to treat over 100 more annually. Meanwhile, Morriston Hospital plans to use the approach for 500 patients from Swansea and Neath Port Talbot this year.
Expert Perspectives
Dr Parin Shah, a consultant cardiologist at St George’s, cautioned that the approach won’t be suitable for every patient. “Not everyone will be eligible for rapid titration. Some patients are just too frail. But for those who are fit enough, it is a very effective treatment and will reduce their chances of dying,” he said.
Emily McGrath, director of research at the British Heart Foundation, called the treatment “hugely promising”.
Professor Simon Ray, NHS England’s national clinical director for heart disease, said: “This treatment could transform the lives of thousands of people who suffer from heart failure, providing an opportunity to safely accelerate treatment and prevent unnecessary and costly re-admissions to hospital.”
Conclusion
The adoption of rapid titration therapy represents a significant advancement in heart failure treatment in the UK. With proven reductions in mortality and hospital readmissions, NHS hospitals are moving towards faster, more intensive early treatment that could greatly improve patient outcomes.
Citation:
Campbell, D. (2025, April 16). British hospitals introduce treatment for heart failure that cuts deaths by 62%. The Guardian.
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