Sildenafil Improves Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis (SIC Heart Study)

Sildenafil Improves Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis (SIC Heart Study)

Background: Development of new forms of intervention to improve overall cardiac performance for heart failure remains to be a continuing challenge. Majority of patients with left ventricular dysfunction are dependent on pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular performance, parameters that are also important determinants of exercise and functional capacity. Sildenafil, a selective 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitor, is a proven effective therapy for primary and secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension. We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the role of Sildenafil in lowering pulmonary arterial pressure and improving exercise capacity among patients with systolic heart failure complicated by pulmonary hypertension.