How obesity affects heart function in patients with preserved ejection fraction
Official title: Intersection of Obesity and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11021036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how obesity affects the heart in people with heart failure, especially focusing on African American and female patients, to help find better treatments tailored to their needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,012,378 |
| NIH project number | 5R35HL166565-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021036 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction, particularly those who are obese and may also have diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without heart failure or those who do not have obesity-related complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms by which obesity impacts the heart in patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The study aims to identify the specific changes in heart muscle caused by obesity, which is crucial for developing targeted therapies. By focusing on a diverse group of patients, particularly those who are African American and female, the research will utilize advanced techniques, including myocardial biopsies, to gain insights into the cellular and molecular changes associated with this condition. The ultimate goal is to create precision-guided treatments that address the unique challenges posed by obesity in heart failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective therapies for patients with heart failure and obesity, significantly improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between obesity and heart failure, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill significant gaps in current knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kass, David Alan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kass, David Alan
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Researchers will study how obesity changes heart muscle in people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction to help develop more tailored treatments.
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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.