Hospitals in the United Kingdom have started using a new and faster treatment method for heart failure patients. This move follows a major global study that showed how early use of higher doses of heart failure drugs can lower death rates by 62%. The new approach is already in use at two NHS hospitals—St George’s in London and Morriston in Swansea—where patients are getting full doses of medicine within weeks instead of months.
A Major Shift in Heart Failure Care
A study called Strong-HF led this change. The trial involved 87 hospitals across 14 countries. It tested a new method called rapid titration, where patients start on full drug doses just two weeks after diagnosis.
Traditionally, doctors slowly increase medication over several months to avoid side effects. But the trial found that faster treatment was both safe and far more effective. The results were clear:
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62% fewer deaths from heart failure
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30% fewer hospital readmissions
This news is huge for the UK, where around 1 million people live with heart failure. The illness weakens the heart, making it hard to pump blood. Patients often feel tired, out of breath, and may end up in the hospital many times.
“This really is a gamechanger,” said Emily McGrath, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation. “It shows we can do much more for patients, much faster.”
How the New Treatment Works
At St George’s Hospital in London, the team has already treated 14 patients using the new method.
“In the past, it took nine to 12 months to get to the full dose,” said Matthew Sunter, lead heart failure nurse at the hospital.
“Now, we do it in two to three weeks.”
Sunter compared the new method to how doctors treat cancer—with full doses right away, rather than building up slowly. The hospital also sees patients just one week after discharge to make fast adjustments if needed.
This tight follow-up can help doctors catch any early signs that the patient’s condition is getting worse.
At Morriston Hospital in Swansea, the team expects to treat around 500 patients this year. They serve both Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.
“We’re very excited about what this means for our patients,” said Dr. Parin Shah, a heart failure expert at Morriston.
“Even though not every patient is a match for this, those who are can see huge benefits.”
Who Can Get This Treatment?
Doctors are careful to say that this method is not for everyone. Some heart failure drugs can lower blood pressure too much or affect the kidneys. That’s why each patient is closely checked before starting the fast-track plan.
Still, many patients are able to handle the stronger doses. The trial showed that with proper checks and follow-up, the approach is safe for most.
What Experts Are Saying
Medical leaders are praising the new plan and pushing for it to be used more widely.
“This is a major leap forward in how we treat heart failure,” said McGrath.
“It shows the NHS is at the front of global medical progress.”
The Department of Health and Social Care also welcomed the findings. In a statement, they said:
“This showcases that the NHS is leading global innovation in healthcare.”
The government has pledged to reduce deaths from heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. The early drug treatment could be a key step toward that goal.
International Impact and Future Plans
Outside the UK, hospitals in other countries are also starting to look at the Strong-HF results. The trial’s success has sparked interest from medical centers in Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
Countries with rising heart disease rates may find the new method useful. In many places, hospitals still rely on the old, slower way of building up medication. If adopted widely, rapid titration could help millions of people worldwide.
Back in the UK, more NHS hospitals are expected to follow St George’s and Morriston in rolling out the new treatment.
“We hope to train other teams across the UK,” said Sunter.
“We want to give every patient the best shot at a longer, healthier life.”
A Turning Point in Heart Failure Treatment
This new drug approach offers real hope for people living with heart failure. With faster treatment, fewer people may die or return to the hospital. Though not for every patient, the method is a strong step forward for those who qualify.
The NHS is leading the way, showing how faster action and close follow-up can change lives. As more hospitals adopt this model, the future looks brighter for heart failure care—not only in Britain but around the world.