Objective: To observe short-term curative effect of Qihong Jieyu decoction and changes of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on patients with depression secondary to chronic heart failure. Method: One hundred and twenty patients with depression secondary to chronic heart failure were randomly divided into control group and observation group (60 cases

respectively) according to order of hospitalization. Patients in both groups' receive routine western medicine treatment of congestive heart failure. Patients in control group received paroxetine. Patients in observation group received Qihong Jieyu decoction

1 dose per day. Treatment in both groups continued to 8 weeks and a 6-month follow-up was made at the end of treatment. Scores of Clinical Lee's heart failure

Hamilton's depression scale(HAMD)

self-rating depression scale(SDS) and Minnesota heart failure quality of life questionnaire(MLHFQ) were made before and after treatment. Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and cardiac output(CO) were measured. Condition of re-hospitalization was recorded during the 6-month follow-up. And level of NT-proBNP was also detected. Adverse reaction were also recorded during the observation period. Result: The total curative efficacy of Clinical Lee's heart failure in observation group was 86.67% and that in control group was 71.67%

the difference was significant (P<0.05). And the total curative efficacy of clinical depression in observation group was 88.33%

higher than that in control group 81.67%

however there was no significant differences between two groups. Scores of Lee's heart failure

HAMD

SDS and MLHFQ in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.01). LVEF and CO in observation group were higher than those in control group (P<0.01). Level of NT-proBNP was lower than that in control group (P<0.01).Occurrence rate of adverse reaction in control group was 58.3%

and there was no adverse reaction in observation group. During the 6 mouths' follow-up visit

rate of re-hospitalization in observation group was 36.66%

which is lower than 61.66% in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Qihong Jieyu decoction can significantly ameliorate symptoms of heart failure and depression of patients with depression secondary to chronic heart failure

improve patients' qualities of lives

lower rate of re-hospitalization

and there is a definite curative effects and lower adverse reaction.