Empagliflozin and its benefits in cardiac protection: an updated review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction. Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor that was first marketed as an oral hypoglycemic agent. Over time, numerous studies have demonstrated that this molecule has significant cardioprotective effects. Objective. To describe the pharmacological properties, cardiovascular benefits, and cardioprotective mechanisms of empagliflozin, providing information on its safety and efficacy profile based on available research. Methodology. A narrative review of the literature was conducted on the databases Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, Scopus, and Latindex, describing the pharmacological properties, cardiovascular benefits, and cardioprotective mechanisms of empagliflozin. Results. Empagliflozin has been shown to significantly reduce the combined risk of hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular death in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, as well as a reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin. Conclusion. This is a comprehensive molecule with excellent hypoglycemic and cardioprotective properties, as well as an effective and safe therapeutic option in the management of different forms of heart failure, providing significant benefits in reducing hospitalizations and cardiovascular mortality, both in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.