Safety and Efficacy Trial to Treat Diastolic Heart Failure Using Ambrisentan

This is a randomized study of ambrisentan that will last 16 weeks. The study will include patients with diastolic heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Patients will be randomized (1:1) to ambrisentan or placebo. The ambrisentan or matching placebo will be started at 2.5 mg by mouth daily and increased to 5mg and then 10mg daily, if tolerated. Patients will be seen at least monthly for 16 weeks. Adverse reactions will be reviewed and the required monthly laboratory tests (liver function testing and pregnancy testing, if applicable), will be performed. Patients will also complete an exercise test (six minute walk distance) and a quality of life survey at the baseline, week 4 and week 16 visit. An echocardiogram and a right heart catheterization and left ventricular end diastolic pressure measurement will be performed at the 16 week visit. The primary end-point is safety, and secondary end-points include the catheterization results, echocardiogram results, the walk distance and the quality of life survey. The expected completion of the study is 18 months from initiation. Ambrisentan is an FDA approved drug for PAH, but not for CHF.