POWER Myocardial Fatigue Study: a Biomechanical Assessment of Contractility of Human Myocardium
This study, called the POWER Myocardial Fatigue Study, is looking into why the heart muscle gets tired, a problem known as 'myocardial fatigue', which is a key part of heart failure. Researchers want to understand how the human heart muscle behaves under different pressures and with different medicines. They will do this by studying small samples of heart tissue in the lab. The goal is to build a better picture of how heart failure develops and progresses, especially looking at how the heart might become tired even before serious damage occurs. This research could eventually lead to new ideas for treating heart conditions like heart failure by focusing on helping the heart recover its strength.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called the POWER Myocardial Fatigue Study, is all about understanding why the heart muscle gets tired. You might know that when you exercise, your muscles can get fatigued. The heart is a muscle too, and scientists believe a similar kind of 'fatigue' plays a big role in common conditions like heart failure.
The researchers want to look closely at small pieces of human heart tissue in the lab. They will gently stretch these tissues and test how they respond to different pressures, similar to how your heart works in your body. They'll also see how different simple medicines affect these tissues. The main goal is to figure out how heart muscle works, how it becomes tired, and what might help it recover. This isn't a study directly on people, but on tiny tissue samples, which helps scientists understand the basic building blocks of heart health.
Why does this matter? Currently, we know a lot about heart failure, but understanding this 'fatigue' could open up new ways to think about treatment. If we can understand why the heart muscle gets tired, we might be able to find ways to prevent it or help the heart recover its strength, especially in earlier stages of heart problems. This research is a first step, like putting together a puzzle, to eventually help doctors find better ways to care for people with heart conditions.
Key takeaways
- Aims to understand why hearts get tired (myocardial fatigue) in heart failure.
- Uses small human heart tissue samples in the lab, not directly on people.
- Participants are adults already having open-heart surgery who donate tissue.
- No extra procedures, hospital visits, or medicines for participants.
- Research could lead to new ways to treat heart conditions in the future.
- Participation is voluntary and won't affect your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for a very specific type of participant: adult patients between 18 and 85 years old who are already having open-heart surgery. If you are having this surgery, you might be asked if you'd like to donate a small piece of heart tissue that would otherwise be discarded.
They also welcome tissue donations from healthy hearts that, for various reasons, cannot be used for transplant. For this type of donation, a legal representative would need to give permission.
There are not many reasons for someone not to be included, because getting human heart samples is quite rare. However, if you are unable to understand and agree to participate in the study (due to mental capacity) or if you have certain active infections like HIV or a recent COVID-19 infection, you would not be able to take part for safety reasons.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 85 years old?
- Are you scheduled for open-heart surgery?
- Can you understand and give consent to join the study?
- Do you *not* have an ongoing blood-borne infection like HIV?
- Have you *not* recently tested positive for COVID-19 (within the last 10 days)?
What does participation involve?
If you are considering taking part, it's important to understand that you would only be involved if you are already having open-heart surgery. Your participation would involve giving consent to donate a small piece of heart tissue that your surgeon would otherwise discard during your planned operation. You would not need any extra hospital visits, assessments, or take any additional medication specifically for this study. The researchers will simply collect the tissue sample at the time of your surgery. Your participation would be complete once the tissue sample has been collected and used for laboratory testing.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospitals Coventry and WarwickshireVerified postcodeCoventry, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'myocardial fatigue'?
It's when your heart muscle gets tired and can't pump blood as effectively, a bit like when your arm muscles get tired after exercise.
Will this study involve me directly?
No, if you choose to participate, it would only involve donating a small piece of heart tissue during a planned open-heart surgery you are already having.
What will researchers do with my heart tissue sample?
They will study it very closely in the lab to understand how it works, how it gets tired, and how it responds to different conditions and medicines.
Will my participation affect my surgery or recovery?
No, taking part in this study will not change your surgery or recovery in any way. The tissue is collected during your already planned operation.
Is this a new treatment study?
No, this is a basic science study to better understand heart disease. It's not testing new treatments on people, but helping pave the way for future discoveries.
How to find out more
Patrick Tran
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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