HF-ACTION for Heart Failure and a Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training - Registry

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health

Investigators:
Eric Eichhorn, MD*
Allen Anderson, MD
J. Edward Rosenthal, MD
Khanh Hoang, MD
Allie Leonard, RN
Jill Fowler, RNC

Designated Site: Medical City Dallas

The HF- ACTION study has two components to it, a registry, looking at the outpatient heart failure population and a randomized study comparing patients with heart failure who exercise via a supervised program vs those who are only encouraged to exercise. This registry will provide an ongoing record of information regarding the baseline demographic information and medical conditions of this ever-growing group of patients. An estimated 4.8 million Americans suffer from Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), with 550,000 new cases diagnosed each year. CHF costs represent the single largest Medicare expenditure. This registry study will look at both the short-term and long-term health status of patients with CHF. Approximately 1500 patients will participate around the country for an average of four years. The hypothesis of the clinical study is that those patients who participate in an exercise rehab program with
36 supervised visits and are then sent home with a treadmill for continuation of the program, will do significantly better than those who are simply put on standard medication therapy and encourage to exercise. The overall death rate and the number of hospitalizations are expected to decrease by 20% or more over two years.

* denotes Principal Investigator