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 (BNP) testing for the early diagnosis of CHF. B-type natriuretic peptide is also being studied as a potential treatment for congestive heart failure.
• 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
• 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 (ARBs)
• 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 cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins in the management 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 (ICDs) in the management of patients with CHF. A large clinical trial is currently studying the benefit of adding cardiac resynchronization therapy to ICDs 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