Detecting heart failure issues early on, one researcher observed, can improve patient care and hospital efficiency at the same time. 

The FDA’s decision was based largely on results from a clinical trial that included more than 3,700 heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less.

“Making these diagnoses earlier could allow for urgent intervention, preventing the cardiac remodeling and organ dysfunction that accompany delays in treatment,” the study's authors said. 

The new analysis, which included data from more than 24,000 adult patients, was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 

Findings from the study may be helpful in conveying the benefits of dapagliflozin treatment to patients with HFrEF, the authors said. 

A majority of patients delaying care came from a low-income household.