Investigating how heart failure and aging affect diaphragm function
Official title: DO HEART FAILURE AND AGING POTENTIATE DIAPHRAGM VASCULAR DYSFUNCTION?
Funded at Kansas State University · NIH-10203242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how heart failure affects the diaphragm's ability to work in older adults and tests possible treatments, like nitrate supplements, to help improve breathing and overall quality of life for those with heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhattan, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $456,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AG078060-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10203242 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals suffering from heart failure or related respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have heart failure or significant respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of heart failure on the diaphragm's ability to function in older adults. It focuses on understanding how aging and heart failure together impair oxygen transport to muscles, particularly during mechanical ventilation. The study uses animal models to investigate potential therapies, such as nitrate supplementation, that could improve diaphragm function in elderly patients suffering from heart failure. By addressing these issues, the research aims to develop targeted interventions that could enhance the quality of life for older adults with heart failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for diaphragm dysfunction in elderly patients with heart failure, enhancing their respiratory function and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting nitric oxide pathways can improve muscle oxygen delivery in similar contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Kansas State University
Manhattan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Behnke, Brad J — Kansas State University
- Study coordinator: Behnke, Brad J
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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.