Nat Cardiovasc Res

Post-MI use of empagliflozin linked to dual heart and kidney benefits

July 1, 2025

Empagliflozin demonstrated both CV and renal protective effects in post-MI patients, including those with impaired kidney function. These findings support the early use of SGLT2 inhibitors in this high-risk population, potentially addressing a major treatment gap due to prior safety concerns.

Study details: This secondary analysis of the EMPACT-MI trial evaluated the CV and kidney outcomes of empagliflozin in 6,522 patients hospitalized with acute MI and at risk for heart failure. Participants were randomized to empagliflozin or placebo within five days of MI and followed for up to 24 months. Kidney function data were available for a subset of 1,152 patients.

Results: Empagliflozin preserved estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over two years, while the placebo group experienced significant decline (P = 0.01). The drug reduced total heart failure events and all-cause mortality regardless of baseline kidney function (P for interaction = 0.30). Adverse event rates at 30 days were similar between groups, supporting early post-MI initiation.

Source:

Aggarwal R, et al. (2025, June 13). Nat Cardiovasc Res. Secondary analysis of the EMPACT-MI trial reveals cardiovascular-kidney efficacy and safety of empagliflozin after acute myocardial infarction. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40514435/