Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Multivariate Biomarker Study for Sarcopenia in Heart Failure

Many people with heart failure also experience muscle weakness and loss, a condition called sarcopenia. This can make them feel tired, reduce their ability to exercise, and worsen their overall health. This study aims to understand why this muscle weakness occurs in people with heart failure. Researchers will look at different things like body composition (how much muscle and fat you have), substances in your blood, and how well your muscles work. By doing this, they hope to find better ways to spot muscle weakness early, accurately diagnose it, and ultimately help doctors choose the best treatments. This could significantly improve the quality of life for people living with heart failure.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Liverpool

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2025

Heart Failure Sarcopenia Muscle Weakness Body Weight Frailty

What is this study about?

Heart failure is a common condition where your heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. About 900,000 people in the UK have heart failure, and new cases are diagnosed every year. Many people with heart failure also develop something called sarcopenia, which means they lose muscle mass and strength. This can make everyday activities difficult, reduce their ability to exercise, and generally impact their health and how long they live.

Sarcopenia often happens as we get older, but it can also be made worse by other health problems like heart failure. When sarcopenia and heart failure happen together, it can have a big negative effect. This combination can make it harder to exercise, affect how well the heart pumps, increase how often someone needs to go to the hospital, and even shorten their lifespan.

This study will involve people with heart failure from the NHS. The main goal is to figure out what causes muscle weakness in heart failure. Researchers will look at many different things, including body measurements, substances in the blood, and tests that check how well your muscles are working. They hope this will lead to new ways to: 1) find heart failure early, even before symptoms are obvious, 2) better diagnose muscle weakness in people with heart failure, 3) understand the risks for people who might have or already have this condition, and 4) help doctors choose the most effective treatments.

Key takeaways

Study aims to understand muscle weakness (sarcopenia) in people with heart failure.
Could lead to better diagnosis and treatment for this common problem.
Involves body scans, blood tests, and muscle function assessments.
Does not test new drugs; participants must be on stable heart failure medication.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, people with heart failure must be aged 50 or older. They should have a medical diagnosis of heart failure, regardless of how well their heart is currently pumping. They also need to have been on their usual heart failure medications for at least three months and be able to walk at least 16 metres, with or without a walking aid.

There are also some reasons why someone might not be able to join. This includes if they have certain other major health conditions like cancer, Alzheimer's, or kidney disease. People who have recently had certain heart treatments, or are taking specific medications like antibiotics, probiotics, or fish oil, or drugs that affect their immune system, also won't be able to take part. Living with certain infections or bowel diseases would also mean they can't join.

The study also includes a group of healthy people as a comparison. These individuals must have no history of long-term illnesses, although controlled high blood pressure or treated high cholesterol are allowed. They should also be aged 50 or over.

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 50 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of heart failure?
Have you been on your regular heart failure medication for at least 3 months?
Can you walk at least 16 metres (about 50 feet) on your own or with a walking aid?
Do you have any major ongoing health conditions like cancer or Alzheimer's?
Have you recently taken antibiotics, probiotics, or fish oil?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, the researchers will check your body measurements, such as muscle mass and strength, usually by using a special scan called Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA scan). They will also take blood samples to look for specific substances. Additionally, you will do some tests to see how well your muscles work and to check your overall physical ability. The study does not involve new medications, but participants must be on stable heart failure treatment for three months before starting. We don't have details on the exact number of visits or the total duration, but any follow-up would be explained fully before you decide to join.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in research studies always has potential benefits and risks. Potential benefits of this study include contributing to a better understanding of muscle weakness in heart failure, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for others in the future. You might also gain more insight into your own health by undergoing the assessments. Potential risks are generally low, mainly related to blood draws (like a small bruise or feeling faint) and the DXA scan (which involves a very small amount of radiation, similar to background radiation we encounter daily). You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a condition where you lose muscle mass and strength, which can make everyday activities harder.

How does this study help people with heart failure?

By understanding more about muscle weakness in heart failure, researchers hope to find better ways to diagnose and treat it, improving quality of life.

What is a DXA scan?

A DXA scan is a quick, painless scan that measures body composition, like how much muscle and fat you have. It uses a very low dose of X-rays.

Will I have to take new medication?

No, this study does not involve new medications. You must be on your usual heart failure treatment.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.