Investigation of Heart Failure Status Over Time Using Respiratory Parameters

Investigation of Heart Failure Status Over Time Using Respiratory Parameters

The purpose of the study is to investigate respiratory indicators for clinically important changes in Heart Failure status over time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Moderate to severe Heart Failure (as determined by Echocardiogram or by treating physician)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Malignant disease affecting gas exchange or respiratory parameters
• Medications compromising breathing with no adverse affects on heart failure
• Clinically significant (moderate to severe) asthma requiring therapy
• Chronic parenchymal lung disease (FEV1/FVC ratio = 65% or as determined by the treating physician)
• Severe pulmonary hypertension
• Heart failure due to alcohol abuse or chemotherapy
• Narcotic abuse/intravenous drug use (including HIV+ and hepatitis C)
• Alcohol consumption > 80g/day
• Patients receiving home Oxygen
• Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection
• Narcolepsy
• Cataplexy
• Enrolled in any concurrent study, that may confound the results of this study.
• Inability or refusal to sign the Patient Consent Form
• Inability or refusal to adhere to protocol requirements