A new method to improve heart health through pacing techniques
Official title: A New Pacing Approach for Cardiac Conditioning and Enhanced Cardioprotection
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11034072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help protect and strengthen the hearts of people with heart problems by using a special pacing technique that mimics how your heart beats during exercise, and we're looking to see if this can improve heart function and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $606,301 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168752-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are at risk for or currently experiencing cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable heart conditions who do not experience any cardiac issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to cardiac conditioning that aims to enhance the heart's protective responses against damage. By utilizing a pacing technique that mimics the heart rate changes experienced during exercise, the study seeks to determine how this method can improve heart function and resilience, particularly in patients with cardiovascular issues. The approach involves delivering controlled heart rate accelerations to stimulate beneficial adaptations in the heart, potentially leading to better outcomes for individuals at risk of heart disease. Patients may be monitored for their heart's response to this pacing protocol over a defined period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved heart health and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with exercise-based cardiac conditioning, suggesting that this pacing approach may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hodgson-Zingman, Denice — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Hodgson-Zingman, Denice
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.