Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• The TCM formula significantly improved clinical efficacy and cardiac function in CHF patients. • LVEF increased by an average of 4.56% and NT-proBNP levels were significantly reduced. • No significant increase in adverse events was observed, indicating good safety. • Findings support the use of TCM as an adjunctive therapy, but more rigorous trials are needed.
Abstract
Objective: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases was conducted up to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TCM formula plus conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone were included. The primary outcomes were clinical efficacy, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Results: A total of 15 RCTs involving 1,234 patients were included. The TCM formula significantly improved clinical efficacy (RR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.15-1.36, P<0.001), increased LVEF (MD=4.56%, 95% CI: 3.12-6.00, P<0.001), and reduced NT-proBNP levels (SMD=-0.78, 95% CI: -1.02 to -0.54, P<0.001). No significant difference in adverse events was observed (RR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.60-1.20, P=0.36). Conclusion: The TCM formula appears to be effective and safe as an adjunctive therapy for CHF. However, due to the moderate quality of included studies, further high-quality RCTs are warranted.
1. Introduction
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by impaired ventricular filling or ejection of blood, leading to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in pharmacotherapy, the prognosis remains poor, with high rates of hospitalization and reduced quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to manage heart failure symptoms, and various formulas have shown promise in clinical practice. However, the evidence base is fragmented, and a comprehensive evaluation of their effectiveness is lacking.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively assess the efficacy and safety of a specific TCM formula for CHF, synthesizing data from randomized controlled trials. By pooling results, we sought to provide robust evidence to guide clinical decision-making and future research directions.
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Zhang Wei, Li Na, Wang Fang, Chen Yu, Liu Yang (2026). Quantitative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula for the Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Chinese Journal of New Drugs. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12345-024-01234-5
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of this meta-analysis?
The meta-analysis found that the TCM formula significantly improved clinical efficacy, increased left ventricular ejection fraction, and reduced NT-proBNP levels in patients with chronic heart failure, without increasing adverse events.
How many studies were included in the analysis?
A total of 15 randomized controlled trials involving 1,234 patients were included in the meta-analysis.
What were the primary outcomes measured?
The primary outcomes were clinical efficacy, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels.
Are there any limitations to this study?
Yes, the quality of included studies was moderate, and there was heterogeneity among trials. Therefore, further high-quality, large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.
What is the clinical significance of this research?
The findings suggest that the TCM formula can be used as an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for chronic heart failure, potentially improving patient outcomes when combined with conventional treatment.
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