Study to Explore the Safety and Feasibility of Allogeneic Young Plasma Infusion in Older Adults...
Frailty SyndromeHeart FailureEvaluate the feasibility of administering plasma (PF24) acquired from donors of a young chronological age intravenously to older adults at WFBMC while also exploring its effects on age-related functional decline
Congestive Heart Failure Home Telemonitoring
Heart FailureBlood Pressure1 moreRemote monitoring of chronic heart failure can reduce deaths and hospitalisations, and may provide benefits on health care costs and quality of life. Currently there is limited use of remote monitoring for heart failure in Norway. The funding streams and the structure of the norwegian health service is different from other countries that have tried remote monitoring and therefore it is important to examine the utility of such services in Norway. The study is a randomised controlled trial that will allow participants in the intervention group to use a wireless weight scale and blood pressure monitor device that will send automatically the measurements electronically and securely to the Heart Failure Outpatient Clinic of the hospital.
Influences of Angiotensin-neprilysin Inhibition on Sympathetic Activity in Heart Failure
Heart FailureThe autonomic nervous system plays an important role in controlling the circulation. Increased sympathetic activity has detrimental effects in patients with heart failure. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that combined angiotensin receptor + neprilysin inhibition results in lower sympathetic activity than angiotensin receptor inhibition alone.
Cardiac Rehab for Advanced Heart Failure-LVAD Candidates
Heart FailureThis study is a pilot study evaluating the feasibility and early efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation to improve frailty and symptoms in patients with advanced heart failure (NYHA class III-IV), who are being considered for LVAD therapy.
Telehealth Self Management for CHF
Heart FailurePeople with heart failure (HF) are hospitalized over a million times a year in the US at a cost over $39 billion dollars. About half of the patients are readmitted within 30 days. Despite a number of institutional reforms, cost and readmissions remain high in the VA. The VA Home Telehealth (HT) monitoring program decreases preventable readmissions, but HF readmissions remain increased in the VA. Despite an active and effective HT program, the Charleston VAMC has the highest HF readmission rate in VISN 7. Though the HT program introduces communication, self-management, and shared decision-making in initial training, previous QUERI RRP evaluation identified lower than expected levels of specific communication practices associated with the promotion of HF self-management and shared decision-making, mediated by the requirements of the technology.
Improving MEDication Adherence in Chronic Heart Failure Using a TELEmedicine Device (TELEMED-HF)...
Heart FailureTELEMED-HF is a randomized, controlled clinical intervention trial designed to: (1) examine the efficacy of an electronic Medication Adherence Support System (MASS) in improving and monitoring patients' medication adherence; to (2) i determine the effect of medication adherence on hospitalization and health care consumption.
Stem Cell Mobilization and VEGF Gene Transfer for Heart Failure
Ischemic Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and bioactivity of intramyocardial gene transfer using VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in patients with ischemic heart failure. The research treatment of this CHF study will involve the use of an intramuscular injection with a catheter inserted in through the groin to transfer a type of DNA (phVEGF165 gene) to the wall of the heart. Genes (which are part of the DNA molecules) carry instructions to allow the cells to produce specific proteins. Gene transfer or treatment with DNA (a necessary part of all cells) is being studied for the treatment of patients with heart failure. This research therapy, which is experimental and not proven, is designed to try to grow new blood vessels to improve blood flow to areas of the heart that are not receiving enough blood. DNA is present in all cells and provides the instructions for making proteins. After delivering a piece of DNA containing the vascular endothelial growth factor 1 (VEGF-1) gene (the product being studied) into cells, the cells may produce a specific protein called vascular endothelial growth factor 1 (VEGF-1). Animal studies have indicated that the VEGF-1 protein may cause new blood vessels to grow. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene (ph VEGF 165) is found on the VEGF DNA. Experiments performed in animals show that once in the heart wall, the DNA directs the cells of the heart muscle to make the VEGF protein. VEGF 165 is a protein that has been shown to stimulate cells (known as endothelial cells), which form the inner lining of blood vessels. This protein causes cells to divide and grow, thereby forming new blood vessels. It is anticipated that this new blood supply may help the heart pump the blood more effectively and relieve some heart failure symptoms. We do not yet have enough information to know what will happen in humans, that is why we are doing this research. After gene transfer we will begin a process to help move some of the stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood circulation. Subjects will be given the drug called G-CSF (a drug used to move cells from the bone marrow into the blood stream). Stem cells are young cells produced by bone marrow (the spongy cavity in the center of large bones) that can develop into blood cells or other types of cells. This medication triggers the movement of stem cells out of the bone marrow and into the blood stream. Before being released into the blood stream, stem cells receive signals that direct them to become specific types of cells such as CD34+ cells (endothelial progenitor cells). CD34+ cells that move to or are in the area of damaged heart tissue may promote growth of new blood vessels that supply blood and nutrients and thereby improve the chance of survival of heart tissue, improve heart function, and possibly have a long-term benefit. We will be recruiting 12 subjects for this study. There will be no randomization and no placebo group. Once eligibility in the research study has been determined all subjects will be treated with the VEGF and G-CSF.
HEARTS: Heart, Exercise, and Resistance Training Study
Cardiovascular DiseasesHeart Failure2 moreThis study is enrolling patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The goal of the study is to see if one of two carefully monitored exercise programs can improve the ability of these patients to function and get about their activities.
Health Behavior-Related Outcomes With Diaphragmatic Breathing Retraining in Heart Failure Patients...
Chronic Heart FailureThe purpose of this study is to provide information on how the practicing of deep breathing ("DBR" - diaphragmatic breathing re-training) may improve the health outcomes and likelihood of heart failure patients to engage in health-promoting activities by successfully controlling their shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Cardiac Effects of Spiolto®/Respimat® in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure and COPD
COPDThe aim of this study is to evaluate the pulmonary and cardiac effects of the LABA / LAMA combination Tiotropium / Olodaterol therapy in patients suffering from both congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.