Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a long-term condition that affects how well your heart does its vital job of pumping blood to the rest of your body. In the United States more than six million people have CHF and it is the leading cause of hospitalization in adults over the age of 65.

Patients with congestive heart failure can experience:

Congestive Heart Failure has many causes like coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, arrhythmia, inflammation and obesity. Additional causes may include specific medication types like chemotherapy drugs, tobacco and recreational drug use, and heavy alcohol use.

CHF worsens over time and is categorized by four stages (A, B, C, and D) with the final stage being advanced heart failure. Throughout these stages, treatment recommendations differ, due to the severity of the stage. Treatment for Stages A-C can include medication for symptom management, frequent exercise, cessation of tobacco and alcohol use, and potential implantation of a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator. Stage D is the most severe stage and treatment can include all options recommended for Stages A-C and more advanced treatments like heart transplant, ventricular assist devices, and continuous infusion of inotropic medication.

ACT research partners at Columbia University are investigating the impact of microbiota transplantation in Congestive Heart Failure patients. Researchers have previously identified links between altered gut microbiome and CHF risk and progression. Learn more about the connections between the gut microbiome, inflammation, oxidative stress and congestive heart failure in the publication, “Oral and gut microbiome alterations in heart failure: Epidemiology, pathogenesis and response to advanced heart failure therapies.” Publication link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2025.101592