RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Role of Epicardial Adiposity in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

This study aims to understand if having more fat around the heart (called epicardial fat) impacts people with a specific type of heart failure known as Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). Researchers are inviting 130 patients, both those who are obese and those who are not, to have detailed scans like CT and MRI, along with blood tests. The goal is to investigate whether higher levels of this heart fat lead to worse heart function. The findings from this research could help in developing new treatments for HFpEF, potentially by focusing on reducing fat around the heart and elsewhere in the body.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

130

Start

12 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2037

Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFPEF)

What is this study about?

You might have heard of heart failure, which means your heart isn't pumping blood as effectively as it should. This study focuses on a specific type called Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, often shortened to HFpEF. With HFpEF, your heart's main pumping chamber still squeezes well, but it might not relax properly to fill with enough blood. This can lead to symptoms like breathlessness and tiredness.

Researchers are particularly interested in the fat that sits around your heart, known as epicardial fat. They want to find out if having more of this fat makes HFpEF worse. It's thought that this fat might play a key role in how HFpEF develops, especially in people who are also overweight or obese. By understanding more about this link, doctors hope to discover better ways to help people living with HFpEF.

To do this, the study will involve 130 patients, some with HFpEF who are obese, and others with HFpEF who are not. Everyone in the study will undergo various tests, including special scans like CT and MRI to get detailed pictures of their heart and the fat around it. They'll also have blood tests. The information gathered from these tests will help researchers see if there's a strong connection between the amount of fat around the heart and how well the heart is working in people with HFpEF. This could pave the way for creating new treatments in the future, possibly by targeting this heart fat.

Key takeaways

This study investigates if fat around the heart affects a type of heart failure called HFpEF.
People with HFpEF, both obese and non-obese, are needed for the study.
Participants will have detailed heart scans (CT, MRI) and blood tests.
The aim is to find new ways to treat HFpEF by understanding its causes.
No new medications are involved; the study focuses on diagnostic assessments.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a diagnosis of HFpEF from an expert heart doctor. You also need to be able to give your agreement to take part and understand written English. If you meet these basic criteria, you might be suitable for the study.

However, there are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your heart's main pumping chamber doesn't squeeze well (what doctors call a 'low ejection fraction'), or if your HFpEF is caused by specific rare conditions like certain types of heart disease or problems caused by genetic conditions, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you have a condition that means you can't safely have CT or MRI scans, such as certain medical devices that aren't compatible with MRI, you won't be able to participate. Pregnant women are also not able to join the study.

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 18 years of age or older?
Have you been diagnosed with HFpEF by a heart doctor?
Can you understand written English?
Are you able to have CT and MRI scans safely (e.g., no incompatible metal implants)?
Are you a woman who is not pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves several visits to a single research centre. You will undergo various medical assessments. These include detailed scans like CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to get clear pictures of your heart and the fat surrounding it. You will also have blood tests and other examinations to help researchers understand your heart function. The study does not involve taking any new medications, but rather focuses on collecting information through tests and scans. The total duration of your participation will be explained to you by the study team, along with any necessary follow-up appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some benefits; for example, you'll receive detailed heart scans and tests that might not usually be part of your routine care, which could provide more information about your condition. However, there are also some potential risks. CT scans involve a small amount of radiation, and some people may find MRI scans uncomfortable due to being in an enclosed space. Blood tests may cause minor bruising or discomfort. All procedures have been carefully planned by medical experts. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'HFpEF'?

HFpEF stands for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. It's a type of heart failure where your heart's main pumping chamber squeezes normally but doesn't relax properly to fill with enough blood.

What is 'epicardial fat'?

Epicardial fat is the layer of fat that surrounds your heart. Researchers are studying its role in heart health.

Will I have to take new medicines in this study?

No, this particular study does not involve taking any new medications. It focuses on gathering information through scans and tests.

What kind of scans will I have?

You will have detailed heart scans, including CT (a type of X-ray) and MRI (which uses strong magnets and radio waves to create images), among other tests.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

How to find out more

Gaurav S Gulsin, MBChB(Hons)

gg149@le.ac.uk +44 (0)116 258 3038 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.