Objective: To observe the therapeutic efficacy of Yiqi Huoxue decoction on cardiac function and life quality in patients with qi-deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in chronic heart failure (CHF)

as well as its impact on cystatin C (Cys C)

homocysteine(Hcy)

and cyclophilin A(Cyp A) in serum. Method: One hundred and eighteen patients with CHF (Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome) were randomly assigned to either control group or observation group of 59 patients each according to random number table. Two groups were treated according to the guide of the diagnosis and treatment of chronic heart and failure. Patients of control group accepted hydrochlorothiazide tablet (25 mg/time

qd)

captopril (12.5 mg and bid)

digoxin tablet (0.25 mg and qd)

and Metoprolol(25 mg

bid).The patients of observation group were treated with additional Yiqi Huoxue decoction based on control treatment

1 dose/d and bid. Treatment course was 4 weeks in both groups. Lee's CHF score

NYHA cardiac heart grading

6 minutes walk test (6 MWT)

and clinical symptom score were compared between both groups before and after treatment. The quality of life of the two groups was evaluated by the minnesota heart failure life quality questionnaire. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and E/A were detected using color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic system.Cys C

Hcy and Cyp A were tested in both groups. Result: Total effective rate for observation group was 93.22%

higher than 79.66% in control group (P<0.05). After treatment

6 MWT in observation group was higher than that of control group

while scores of life quality and Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome were obviously lower than those of control group

with significant differences between two groups (P<0.05). After treatment

LVEF and E/A were obviously increased in both group (P<0.01)

and the increase value in observation group was higher than that in control group (P<0.05). After treatment

Cys C

Hcy

and Cyp A in observation group was remarkably lower than those in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Additional Yiqi Huoxue decoction based on the cardiotonic and diuretic therapy can improve cardiac function and life quality for CHF patients with heart qi deficiency and blood stasis

and its mechanism may be related to depressing Cys C

Hcy

and Cyp A levels.