Inorganic nitrate to improve exercise ability in heart failure (iNIX-HF)
The Inorganic Nitrate and eXercise performance in Heart Failure (iNIX-HF): - a phase II clinical trial
This project tests whether a once-daily oral inorganic nitrate capsule can quickly boost exercise ability and muscle power in people with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182496 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would take a once-daily oral inorganic nitrate (potassium nitrate) or a placebo capsule and then complete exercise tests to see how your muscles and stamina respond. The first phase sets up the trial paperwork, safety testing, capsule compounding, and initial participant visits. The second phase measures short-term effects, looking at exercise performance about two hours after a single dose and other muscle function tests. Visits will include safety checks and standardized exercise assessments at Washington University in St. Louis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who have trouble with exercise or daily activities and can attend clinic visits in St. Louis.
Not a fit: People without HFrEF, those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, or anyone who cannot take nitrates (for example due to interacting medications or very low blood pressure) may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a simple, pill-based way to improve exercise tolerance and make daily activities easier for people with HFrEF.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot studies by the investigators showed inorganic nitrate can improve aerobic exercise capacity and muscle power in HFrEF, but larger controlled trials are needed.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peterson, Linda Ruth — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Peterson, Linda Ruth
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 below.