Genomic Analysis of Enhanced Response to Heart Failure Therapy in African Americans (GRAHF)

Congestive heart failure often results in shortness of breath or fatigue with exertion. Medical treatment for this problem usually consists of medications such as Lisinopril (also called ACE inhibitors or ARBs) and Lopressor (also called beta blockers). It is believed that a fixed dose combination of Isosorbide Dinitrate and Hydralazine (FDC I/H) works better in African Americans with heart failure when compared to their white counterparts. Despite the possible benefits, the drug is prescribed in only 25% of African Americans. It is believed that the positive response to this drug may be a difference in the genetic make-up of African Americans. “DNA”, “gene”, or “genetic make-up” is inherited information (a blueprint) about the structure and function of cells in the human body that make up the color of our hair and eyes and may influence the way our bodies respond to certain stimuli such as smoking, an illness, or infections. FDC I/H (referred to as “study medication” from this point forward) is FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved for self-designated African Americans with heart failure. The goal of the current study is to see if a genetic blood test would indicate who within the African American group would show a positive response to the study medication.