News item — advances in cardiology

Key takeaways from May 2026

Prepared for members of ASPIC (Association for Patients with Heart Failure)

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In short

The month of May was marked by the major annual congress of the’Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology, which was held at Barcelona, May 9-12, 2026, This meeting, bringing together the world's leading specialists in heart failure, provides an opportunity to review the results of studies that could, in the months and years to come, change the management of the disease. The EHRA congress (arrhythmia) also provided interesting data on the links between atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

This note summarizes, in accessible language, the most relevant points for patients and their families. It is not a substitute for the advice of your cardiologist: discuss this with your doctor before considering any change in treatment.

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1. A comeback for an "old" drug: digoxin

A meta-analysis Presented at the HFA congress (bringing together more than 9,000 patients from three large studies, including two recent ones, DIGIT-HF and DECISION), shows that adding a digitalis preparation (digoxin or digitoxin) to the usual treatment for heart failure reduces 15 % the combined risk of cardiovascular death or worsening of the disease, primarily by reducing episodes of clinical worsening. This benefit is observed even in patients already well treated with recommended modern medications (quadruple therapy).

Why this is important: Digoxin had been somewhat neglected after mixed results more than 20 years ago. This new data could give it a place again, as an adjunct to disease-modifying therapy, in some patients with reduced or moderately reduced ejection fraction (LVEF).

2. Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto): a possible benefit in cases of mitral valve regurgitation

The study PRAISE-MR evaluated sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction preserved (heart that contracts normally but relaxes poorly) associated with mitral valve leak(mitral insufficiency). The results show an improvement in exercise capacity and cardiac function parameters.

Why this is important: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction remains a form of the disease for which therapeutic options are more limited; this study opens an additional avenue for a frequent subgroup of patients (association with mitral regurgitation is not uncommon).

3. Leave the hospital earlier, under supervision

The study SUBCUT-HF II tested a new way of administering a diuretic (furosemide) by subcutaneous, using a portable pump, to allow for earlier discharge from hospital after an episode of decompensation, with close monitoring at home.

Why this is important: This approach is part of a fundamental trend in current cardiology — reducing the length of hospital stays while maintaining patient safety, through lighter devices and remote monitoring.

4. Cardiac pacing: a more physiological technique confirmed

The study CONDUCT-AF confirms that the stimulation of the left branch (a newer cardiac stimulation technique that is closer to the natural functioning of the heart) gives results at least as good as classic biventricular stimulation (resynchronization) in improving heart function.

Why this is important: For patients with or candidates for a resynchronization pacemaker/defibrillator, this reinforces a technical alternative that is increasingly used.

5. Pulmonary hypertension associated with heart failure

The study Re-PHIRE studied a new molecule (AZD3427) in heart failure patients with so-called "group 2" pulmonary hypertension (secondary to the heart disease itself), with encouraging results on hemodynamic parameters.

6. Cardiac amyloidosis: better monitoring of treatment effectiveness

Regarding the’transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM), a rare disease but one that is being diagnosed more and more effectively, the study ATTRIBUTE-CM provides useful data for monitoring: the effectiveness of transthyretin stabilizing drugs (such as acoramides) would depend not only on increasing the level of this protein in the blood, but also on the stability of this rate over time — a potential new indicator for adjusting the biological monitoring of these patients.

7. Atrial fibrillation (EHRA Congress 2026): a warning sign for heart failure

An analysis presented at the EHRA congress shows that people with atrial fibrillation is discovered during screening (STROKETOP studies) and presents an approximately three times higher to develop heart failure than those without atrial fibrillation.

Why this is important: This reinforces the importance of early screening and management of rhythm disorders, particularly in people at cardiovascular risk, to prevent the onset or worsening of heart failure.

8. Diabetes and heart failure: confirmation of the benefit of GLP-1 agonists

A study published in Traffic and relayed this month confirms a reduced risk of hospitalization for heart failure in type 2 diabetic patients treated with GLP-1 agonists (such as semaglutide), compared to another class of drugs (DPP-4 inhibitors).

Why this is important: Diabetic patients have about twice the risk of developing heart failure; this type of treatment, already known for its cardiometabolic benefits, confirms its value in prevention.

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In summary for members

Theme	What potentially changes
Digitalis	Renewed interest as a complement to standard treatment
Sacubitril/valsartan	Widened track in case of preserved LVEF + mitral regurgitation
Hospital discharge	Subcutaneous diuretics at home, faster discharge
Cardiac pacing	The "left branch" technique has been confirmed as an alternative.
Cardiac amyloidosis	Improved biological monitoring of treatments
Atrial fibrillation	Early detection makes perfect sense
Diabetes + Heart Failure	GLP-1 agonists confirm their protective value

These advances are based on recent conference communications and publications; some still require confirmation or authorization before being available in routine practice in France. Don't hesitate to bring up these topics during your next consultation with your cardiologist.

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Note compiled from specialist sources (HFA 2026 congress, EHRA 2026, medical publications) — June/July 2026. Information document, does not constitute medical advice.