Effect of Socioeconomic Status on SGLT2 Initiation in Heart Failure
A nationwide German claims analysis found lower initiation of guideline-recommended sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors among women and patients living in lower-income municipalities.
By
Andrea Surnit
July 17, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Effect of Socioeconomic Status on SGLT2 Initiation in Heart Failure
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Heart Failure Key Mechanisms Socioeconomic factors influencing SGLT2 inhibitor initiation. Target Population Patients with heart failure in Germany. Care Setting Retrospective analysis of health insurance claims data.
Key Highlights
Only 14.2% of treatment-naive patients initiated SGLT2 inhibitors in 2023. Higher income tax municipalities showed greater treatment initiation rates. Female patients were less likely to receive SGLT2 inhibitors compared to males. Newly coded heart failure and enrollment in disease management programs increased likelihood of initiation. Socioeconomic and demographic disparities were noted in treatment initiation. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Identify heart failure patients using administrative coding. Management
Consider socioeconomic factors when initiating SGLT2 inhibitors. Monitoring & Follow-up
Evaluate treatment initiation rates across different demographics. Risks
Potential selection bias due to exclusion of patients with missing information. Patient & Prescribing Data
68,426 treatment-naive patients with heart failure.
Socioeconomic disadvantages may hinder SGLT2 inhibitor initiation.
Clinical Best Practices
Implement targeted interventions to address socioeconomic disparities. Monitor treatment initiation rates to identify at-risk populations. Related Resources & Content
