UK Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
The UK HFpEF study is all about a specific type of heart failure called 'Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction' (HFpEF). This happens when your heart can still pump blood effectively, but it's too stiff to fill properly. Many people with HFpEF experience breathlessness, swelling, and tiredness. Currently, it's not well understood why some people get it or how serious it might become, and treatment options are limited. This study hopes to change that. Researchers want to learn more about the causes of HFpEF, develop improved tests for it, and find new and effective treatments. They will also follow participants' health over many years to gain a deeper understanding of the condition and how it affects people.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood around your body as well as it should. This can lead to symptoms like feeling out of breath, having swollen ankles or feet, and feeling very tired. There are different types of heart failure. In about half of all people with heart failure, a measurement called 'ejection fraction' – which shows how strongly your heart pumps – looks normal. This specific type is called Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, or HFpEF.
Currently, we don't fully understand HFpEF. It's not clear why some people develop it, or how severe it might become over time. Because of this, finding the best treatments can be a challenge, and the options available might be limited for some individuals.
The UK HFpEF study hopes to improve this situation. It's a big research effort designed to learn much more about HFpEF. The main goals are to better understand why people get this condition, develop new and more accurate ways to diagnose it, identify and test new medicines or therapies, and track the health of people with HFpEF over many years. By gathering lots of information from many patients, researchers hope to find more targeted and effective ways to help people living with HFpEF.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on a specific type of heart failure called HFpEF.
- HFpEF means your heart pumps well but struggles to relax and fill.
- The study aims to better understand HFpEF, improve diagnosis, and find new treatments.
- It involves following participants' health over a long period.
- Your doctor needs to have diagnosed you with HFpEF and measured certain blood levels.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you would need to give your permission in writing. You must also have been diagnosed with HFpEF by a heart specialist or a healthcare professional who is experienced in treating heart failure. Your doctor will need to have measured certain chemicals in your blood called 'natriuretic peptides', which are often checked in heart failure.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your heart's pumping function (ejection fraction) is less than 40%, or if you have certain other specific heart conditions like some types of heart muscle disease, severe problems with your heart valves, or very complex heart defects you were born with.
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.
- Have I been diagnosed with HFpEF by a heart specialist or experienced heart failure nurse?
- Have my 'natriuretic peptide' blood levels been measured by my doctor?
- Is my heart's pumping function (ejection fraction) 40% or higher?
- Do I have any other complex heart conditions like certain muscle diseases or valve issues?
- Am I at least 18 years old?
What does participation involve?
The information provided does not detail the specific steps of participation, such as the number of visits, specific tests, whether new medication is involved, or the total duration of the study. Generally, joining a study like this might involve a screening appointment to make sure you meet the criteria. If eligible, you would likely have regular check-ups, which could include physical exams, blood tests, and scans of your heart. Researchers would also collect information about your health over time. You should always expect to be fully informed about all appointments, tests, and any potential treatments involved, as well as the expected length of your involvement.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (26)
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health BoardVerified postcodeAbercynon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS TrustVerified postcodeAylesbury, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBirmingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Broomfield HospitalVerified postcodeChelmsford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- NHS TaysideVerified postcodeDundee, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Glasgow Royal InfirmaryVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- West Suffolk NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeIpswich, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Kettering General HospitalVerified postcodeKettering, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustVerified postcodeLeeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLeicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Barnet HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Guys and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is HFpEF?
HFpEF stands for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. It means your heart can pump blood well, but it struggles to relax and fill properly.
Why is this study important?
This study is important because HFpEF isn't fully understood, and current treatments are limited. This research aims to find better ways to diagnose and treat it.
Will I get new medication if I join?
The study aims to *identify and test* new treatments, but it doesn't specify if participants will receive new medication as part of their involvement. Always ask the study team for details.
How long will I be in the study?
The study mentions following people's health for 'many years.' The exact duration for individual participants would be explained by the study team.
What happens to the information they collect?
Information collected will help researchers learn more about HFpEF, develop better tests, and improve treatments for everyone with the condition.
How to find out more
Fardad Soltani, MBChB MRCP
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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