The Use of Advanced Imaging in HFpEF
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) makes people breathless and causes leg swelling. It's tricky to diagnose because standard tests aren't always sensitive enough. Although the heart's pumping is normal, it's too stiff to fill properly. This study is looking at advanced imaging techniques, like special heart scans, to improve how we identify HFpEF in people who have symptoms but an unclear diagnosis. If HFpEF is found, participants will start a specific treatment. Researchers will then check if symptoms and overall well-being improve after six months, hoping to ensure more people get treated for this often-missed condition.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about a particular type of heart problem called Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction, or HFpEF for short. If you have HFpEF, it means your heart muscle is a bit stiff, which makes it harder for your heart to fill up with blood properly, even though it still pumps blood out effectively. This can lead to symptoms like feeling out of breath and having swollen legs. Unfortunately, HFpEF can be difficult to diagnose because the usual heart scans don't always pick it up clearly enough. This means many people might not get the specific treatment that could help them feel better and improve their quality of life.
Researchers are looking into new, more advanced types of heart scans to see if they can help doctors identify HFpEF more accurately. The aim is to understand how best to use these advanced scans in clinics. By getting a clearer diagnosis, doctors can make sure patients receive the most appropriate treatments that are known to help with this specific condition. Improving diagnosis is a crucial step towards providing better care for people living with HFpEF.
In this study, patients with symptoms of HFpEF who haven't received a clear diagnosis from initial tests will have these advanced scans. If the scans suggest they have HFpEF, they will be given a specific medication designed for this condition. The study will then follow up with them after six months to see if their symptoms have improved, their quality of life is better, and if the advanced scans show any positive changes in their heart.
Key takeaways
- Targets a common, hard-to-diagnose heart condition (HFpEF).
- Uses advanced heart scans to improve diagnosis.
- Aims to get people the right treatment sooner.
- Assesses if symptoms and quality of life improve.
- Participation involves scans, questionnaires, and a walking test.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. You might be suitable if you're experiencing shortness of breath when you do things, and if blood tests suggest you might have heart failure. Your initial heart scan (ultrasound) should show that parts of your heart, specifically the left atrium, are a bit larger than usual, but your heart's main pumping action is otherwise normal.
However, there are reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you can't give your consent to participate, or if you already have a history of another type of heart failure where the heart's pumping is weak. You'd also be excluded if you have certain health conditions like type 1 diabetes, specific allergies to the study medication, or if you're already taking or planning to take certain medications. People with an irregular heartbeat called Atrial Fibrillation, or ongoing chest pain (angina), would also not be eligible.
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 old or over?
- Do you experience shortness of breath with activity?
- Has a blood test for heart failure (NTproBNP) shown a certain level?
- Has a previous heart scan shown a slightly enlarged left atrium, but otherwise normal pumping function?
- Do you have certain medical conditions like type 1 diabetes, or an irregular heartbeat (Atrial Fibrillation)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll first be asked to sign a consent form. You'll then complete some questionnaires about your quality of life to understand how your symptoms affect you. You'll also do a "six-minute walk test" twice, which involves walking as far as you can in six minutes to see how your exercise ability is. All participants will have already had a standard heart ultrasound (echocardiogram), and potentially some additional advanced heart scans such as a specialist echocardiogram and a cardiac MRI. If these suggest you have HFpEF, you'll be started on a specific treatment.
After about six months, you'll come back for a follow-up visit. During this visit, you'll repeat the same quality of life questionnaires and the six-minute walk test to see if there have been any changes in your symptoms or how well you can exercise. You will also have repeat heart scans to see if there are any changes in the heart's function. The total duration of active participation, including follow-up, will be around six months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeSheffield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- University of SheffieldVerified postcodeSheffield, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is HFpEF?
HFpEF is a type of heart failure where your heart muscle is stiff, making it hard for blood to fill properly, even though it pumps well.
Why is it hard to diagnose?
Standard heart scans often don't show HFpEF clearly enough, leading to many people not getting a precise diagnosis.
What are 'advanced imaging' techniques?
These are special, more detailed heart scans like specific echocardiograms and MRI scans that can give a clearer picture of your heart's stiffness and function.
What is the SGLT-2 inhibitor medication for?
This is a specific type of medication that has been shown to help people with HFpEF by improving heart function and symptoms.
How long does the study last?
Active participation and follow-up for this study will last approximately six months.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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