Improving breathing and exercise ability in heart failure patients

Targeting breathing limitations to improve functional outcomes in HFpEF

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10871825

This study is looking into why people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have trouble breathing and struggle with exercise, especially how being overweight might make these issues worse, with the goal of finding better ways to help improve their breathing and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-10871825 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the causes of breathing difficulties and exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), particularly focusing on how obesity may exacerbate these symptoms. The study aims to understand the physiological mechanisms behind dyspnea on exertion (DOE) and how obesity affects breathing mechanics during physical activity. By identifying these factors, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies to alleviate these debilitating symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction, particularly those who are also experiencing obesity-related breathing difficulties.

Not a fit: Patients without heart failure or those who do not have obesity-related symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve breathing and exercise capacity for patients with heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that addressing obesity-related breathing issues can improve outcomes in similar patient populations, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.