Targeting Breathing Limitations to Improve Functional Outcomes in HFpEF

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Feb 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how breathing difficulties affect exercise and feelings of breathlessness in patients with heart failure who also have obesity. The researchers believe that if breathing becomes harder, it may make it more challenging for these patients to exercise and feel comfortable during physical activities. The study is currently looking for participants who are experiencing signs of heart failure and have a heart function score (ejection fraction) greater than 50%.

To be eligible, participants should be 55 years or older, show specific signs of heart failure, and not have certain health conditions that could complicate the study, such as severe lung or kidney disease. Those who join the trial can expect to undergo tests to evaluate their breathing and exercise capacity, helping researchers understand the relationship between obesity, heart failure, and breathing limitations. This information could lead to better treatment options in the future for people facing these challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • signs and symptoms of heart failure
• • an ejection fraction \> 0.50;
• • objective evidence of diastolic dysfunction. elevated biomarkers (NT-proBNP \>300 ng/dl) or HF hospitalization
• • healthy volunteers
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • age \< 55 years
• • BMI \> 50 kg/m2
• • Atrial fibrillation with poorly controlled heart rate
• • phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor use
• • severe valvular disease
• • severe Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) 4 or higher
• • any restriction of ambulation and mobility.