Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of Ziyin Zhuyang Kangshuai decoction combined with western medicine for Yang insufficiency and water overflowing type chronic heart failure (CHF) and observe its effect on patients' oxidative stress and quality of life. Method: The 116 patients with CHF in our hospital from June 2014 to June 2016 were selected and divide into two groups according to random number table. Routine therapy was given in both groups

and patients in control group also received standard western anti heart failure drug; while the patients in observation group received Ziyin Zhuyang Kangshuai decoction based on the treatment in control group. The efficacy for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes

cardiac function

echocardiographic index

the level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)

oxidative stress

the overall score of Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and drug safety evaluation were recorded and compared between two groups. Result: After therapy for 3 months

overall effective rate of TCM syndromes and cardiac function was 90.6% and 84.9% respectively in observation group

significantly higher than 75.5% and 67.9% in control group (P <0.05). As compared with the conditions before treatment

the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)

mitral flow E/A

left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD)

left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and NT-proBNP level were significantly improved in both groups after treatment (P <0.01). The improvement in echocardiographic index and NT-proBNP in observation group was better than that in control group after treatment (P <0.01). As compared with the conditions before treatment

the level of plasma oxidative stress index malonaldehyde (MDA) was decreased significantly after treatment in both groups (P <0.01); the levels of catalase (CAT)

superoxide dismutase (SOD) and GSH-Px were increased significantly (P <0.01). The improvement in oxidative stress in observation group was more obvious than that in control group after treatment (P <0.01). The overall score of MLHFQ after therapy was decreased in both groups after treatment (P <0.01); and the MLHFQ score in observation group was significantly lower than that of control group at the same time point after treatment (P <0.01). In addition

there was no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions incidence between observation group and control group. Conclusion: The application of Ziyin Zhuyang Kangshuai decoction combined with western medicine could help to improve TCM syndromes and cardiac function

maintain the balance of body's oxidation and antioxidant system

delay myocardial remodeling and improve the quality of life for patients with CHF. Ziyin Zhuyang Kangshuai decoction is effective and safe

and it brings new direction for clinical prevention and therapy of CHF.