Sildenafil Does Not Improve Exercise Capacity in HF with Preserved Ejection Fraction

March 12th, 2013

Sildenafil Does Not Improve Exercise Capacity in HF with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Nicholas Downing, MD

Sildenafil does not improve exercise capacity or clinical status in patients with symptomatic heart failure (HF) and preserved ejection fraction, according to a JAMA study. This finding contrasts with previous research suggesting a potential benefit in such patients.

Some 220 HF patients with ejection fractions of 50% or greater were randomized to receive oral sildenafil or placebo for 24 weeks. Most were already taking diuretics, renin-angiotensin system antagonists, beta-blockers, and statins.

At the end of treatment, there were no significant differences between the groups in peak oxygen consumption, 6-minute walk distance, or a clinical status score based, in part, on time to death or hospitalization.

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March 12th, 2013