Benefits of sacubitril/valsartan administration and physical training in cardiac rehabilitation: current trends and bibliometric analysis of the years 2015-2024

Abstract

Introduction. Heart failure, with its economic and social burden and increasing incidence in the general population, is a global problem. Since 2015, a new class of drugs with angiotensin and neprilysin re-ceptor inhibitory action, namely the combination of sacubitril and valsartan (S/V), has been introduced in the treatment of HF. The study aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis of the available knowledge and assess research trends through quantitative analysis of the literature related to the use of S/V and physical training in HF. Methods. In the study, we used the Web of Science database, period 2015-January 2024. The data obtained was processed with Vos viewer and Microsoft Excel. The results obtained and their interpretation provided an overview of the most relevant and prolific journals, countries, authors, and organizations. Conclusion. After marketing approval, the publication trend was upward until 2023, when the number of publica-tions decreased significantly. Our study shows that although the number of publications de-creased, updates of treatment guidelines were published, and a significant number of articles supporting the benefits of S/V treatment in chronic HF (with reduced or preserved ejection frac-tion) but also in acute forms were published. Although the number of articles on cardiac rehabilitation is low, this is highlighted in treatment guidelines and studies have emerged assessing the reasons why patients do not follow a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Cardiac rehabilitation is important for its physiological benefits: improving VO2max, myocardial blood flow and endothelial function. Health policies should be put in place to raise awareness of the importance of cardiac rehabilitation, including distances to a rehabilitation centre. Keywords: sacubitril/valsartan; heart failure; cardiac rehabilitation; bibliometric analysis