Which monitoring would be appropriate when starting SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure patients?

When initiating SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with heart failure, monitoring renal function is crucial. SGLT2 inhibitors, such as empagliflozin, can cause diuresis, which may lead to changes in renal perfusion and affect kidney function. Monitoring creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) helps assess how well the kidneys are coping with the added diuretic effect and ensures that the medication can be safely continued.

Additionally, these medications are often used in patients who may already have kidney impairment due to heart failure or other comorbid conditions. Ensuring that kidney function remains stable is imperative, as a significant decline could necessitate dose adjustments or discontinuation of therapy.

Other options, while important in various contexts, are not the primary focus when starting SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure patients. For example, swallowing ability is not directly impacted by these medications, monitoring potassium levels, although relevant for certain medications and patient populations, is not the primary concern in the initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors, and heart rhythm monitoring, while important in the management of heart failure, is not specifically linked to the initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors.