Effects of Pentoxiphylline on Left Ventricular (LV) Systolic Function Indices and Circulating Biomarkers in Patients With Chronic Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Patients who meet inclusion criteria will have a baseline physical exam, Heart Failure status assessment based on the Kansas City Heart Failure Questionnaire, EF assessment based on SPECT MUGA, cardiopulmonary exam to evaluate Vo2 max and assessment of left ventricular end diastolic and systolic dimensions based on 2D echo and labs drawn to assess circulating biomarkers. Patients will than be randomized into the control population where they will receive a placebo medication vs. the study population who will receive pentoxiphylline 400mg three times daily for 6 months. Patients will also have a one and three month clinic visit to assess for any potential change in symptoms and to assess medication compliance. Patients will then have a 6 month follow-up with repeat physical exam, Heart Failure status assessment based on the Kansas City Heart Failure Questionnaire, EF assessment based on SPECT MUGA, cardiopulmonary exam to assess Vo2 Max and assessment of left ventricular end diastolic and systolic dimensions based on 2D echo and labs drawn to assess circulating biomarkers.