Effects of Allopurinol on Diastolic Function in Chronic Heart Failure Patients

Effects of Allopurinol on Diastolic Function in Chronic Heart Failure Patients

In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF)due to dilated cardiomyopathy diastolic dysfunction occurs frequently and is related to a poor outcome. We have previously shown that parameters of diastolic function significantly correlate with uric acid levels, a marker of impaired oxidative metabolism. We aimed to determine whether inhibition of xanthine oxidase with allopurinol might affect diastolic function in patients with CHF.

Inclusion Criteria:

• chronic heart failure;
• left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <45%)
• stable clinical conditions in the previous three months
• optimal medical therapy for CHF
• normal sinus rhythm
• written informed consent
• age >18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• renal failure (s-creatinine >2.5 mg/dl)
• already on allopurinol
• malignancies
• chronic inflammatory diseases