lvad as therapy

  are there any research projects planned or presently in force regarding the improvement/rehabilitation of myocitic cells in patients with lvads waiting transplant to the degree that transplant was not necessary.  i would be interested in having that information and any information about the recent baylor release of using ethyl alcohol injected into heart muscle to subsequently reduce the size of the heart.  i am 53 years old and was diagnosed 4 years ago with dilated cardiomyopaty.  i had an ejection fraction of about 24% which has essentially remained the same as i am described as "well-compensated".  i have never experienced hospitalization or swelling of feet and ankles but fatigue is a problem.  i continue to work (clerical) prn at a physician's office and i would like to try to "get well"  thank you for any information you can share with me.  i do take meds for my problem (lanoxin, ace inibitor, coumadin, Coreg, and HRT)

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Anne,
Topic Area: Heart Failure
Thank you for your question.  Heart failure, or congestive heart failure (CHF) is a syndrome of low heart output, shortness of breath and swelling in the extremities.  The most common cause of heart failure is ischemic (secondary to blockages in the arteries).  Other common causes are hypertensive (high blood pressure), viral, valvular and idiopathic.  The diagnosis of CHF is made by symptoms and testing of the heart.  An echocardiogram or heart catheterization is usually done to measure the function of the pumping chamber.  Other investigations may be performed depending upon the cause of the CHF.
Treatment of heart failure can be medical or surgical.  If failure is due to blockages or valve problems then surgery is often recommended.  Medical management includes digoxin, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and diuretics.  Newer evidence has shown that low dose beta-blockers (i.e coreg) improve symptoms and survival in patients with CHF.  End stage CHF is treated with heart transplantation if the patient is a candidate.  There were a few studies in the use of LVAD (left ventricular assist device) as a permanent therapy for patients who are not candidates for transplant but there have been no results as of yet.  In addition there are a few case reports of people coming off of LVAD after giving the heart a rest but they were in no way "cured" of their heart failure.  
I don't have any information about the Baylor alcohol study but I would guess it is similar to the surgical therapies of heart failure which have not been as successful as hoped for.  In any case it dosen't sound to me like you are anywhere near to needing these therapies.
CHF is a common problem and there are new treatments being developed.  It is a chronic problem and must be followed closely by her doctor with adjustment of her medication as needed.  
Further information can be found at:
http://www.healthanswers.com/health_answers/search_get_answer/forums/circulatory/frame1.htm
Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please Call 1 - 800 - CCF - CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.