A new analysis from the DAPA-HF trial reported that elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were associated with a higher risk of worsening heart failure events and cardiovascular death. The analysis was published in the JACC Heart Failure. 

The study included 2,940 patients with reduced ejection fraction (≤40%) who were followed for worsening heart failure or cardiovascular death. Patients with higher baseline IL-6 levels faced significantly greater risks, with those in the top tertile (≥7.90 pg/mL) showing an 80% higher adjusted risk than those in the lowest tertile. A rise in IL-6 over 12 months was also linked with poorer outcomes.

Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of adverse events consistently across all levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP. However, the drug did not lower inflammatory marker levels over time.