Intermountain Press Release

Salt Lake City—LDS HOSPITAL NEWS RELEASE LDS Hospital cardiac researchers are seeking patients to participate in the largest and most comprehensive heart failure study ever undertaken in the United States.

The $37 million study, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a part of the National institutes of Health, will determine whether tailored exercise programs can definitively reduce mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure patients.

LDS Hospital is the only medical center in the Intermountain West participating in this landmark five-year, 3,000 patient study. The study is vital since heart failure is one of the leading causes of death and hospitalizations in Utah and in the nation. It is the only cardiovascular disease rising in incidence and one of the costliest diseases to treat since heart failure patients are admitted to the hospital frequently.

Heart failure is a condition marked by the inability of the heart muscles to pump enough oxygen and nutrients in the blood to the body's tissues. Also known as congestive heart failure, its many causes include infections of the heart, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and previous heart attack and valve problems.

An estimated 5 million Americans suffer from the condition with 550,000 new cases reported each year, and according to the researchers, it is the only cardiovascular disease that is rising in incidence. Once diagnosed with heart failure, about 50 percent of patients will die within five years.

After medical histories and examinations, participants will be randomized to either intensive exercise training or standard care. Participants in the exercise training arm will be given a personalized exercise program. For the first three months, participants will exercise three times weekly at LDS Hospital, using either a treadmill or stationary bicycle. After this initial period, participants will continue their customized exercise regimen at home for up to three years.

While mortality and hospitalization rates are the primary measured in the trial, the researchers also hope to learn more about any medical complications caused by exercise. The researchers will also be able to determine those types of patients who would benefit the most from exercise, and identify those for whom exercise might be risky. They will also conduct economic and quality of life analyses.

Smaller studies over the past ten years have shown that exercise can do good things for heart failure patients, such as reduce depression, reduce levels of harmful hormones and improve physical activity. However, these studies weren't designed to uncover an effect on mortality.

To enroll in the study or for more information, call the LDS Cardiology Research office at 408-8618.