MedifocusHealth

Research on congestive heart failure (CHF) is ongoing in order to develop more effective treatment modalities and improve survival and quality of life. Areas of research investigation in CHF include:

• The role of B-type natriuretic peptide testing for the early diaganosis of CHF

• The impact of peritoneal dialysis on survival and quality of life of patients with kidney failure and end-stage congestive heart failure

• The role of depression in survival of patients with CHF

• The role of surgical treatment with autologous adult stem cell transplantation in patients with advanced CHF

• The impact of vitamin D supplementation on improving survival in patients with CHF

• Better defining the role of biventricular pacing (cardiac resynchronization therapy) in the management of patients with CHF

• The effect of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on improving survival and quality of life in patients with CHF

• Defining the optimal management strategy of patients with atrial fibrillation and CHF

• Identifying subsets of patients with CHF who would benefit the most from treatment with drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers

• Improving the outcome for patients with advanced CHF and severe left ventricular dysfunction with surgical ventricular remodeling

• Better defining the role of left ventricular assist devices in the management of patients with CHF

• Developing evidence-based guidelines for the role of exercise training in the management of patients with CHF

• Elucidating the role of cholesterlol-lowering drugs known as statins in the mangement of patients with CHF

• Evaluating the therapeutic potential of a class of drugs known as vasopressin receptor antagonists in the treatment of patients with CHF

• Defining the role of implantable cardiac defibrillators in the management of patients with CHF. A large clinical trial is currently studying the benefit of adding cardiac resynchronization therapy to an ICD in patients with mild CHF.

• Comparing the outcomes of patients with CHF who are treated by a heart specialist (cardiologist) versus those who are treated by other medical professionals (non-cardiologists).

• Information regarding ongoing clinical studies in your area can be obtained at the Clinical Trials Listing Service at http://www.centerwatch.com