Investigating muscle metabolism and exercise intolerance in heart failure patients

Muscle metabolism, metabolic modulators and disabling exercise intolerance in the daily life of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11034130

This study is looking into why people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) often feel extremely tired and can't exercise well, using special imaging tools to see how their muscles work during activity, and it will also explore how certain medications might help improve their muscle function and energy levels.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11034130 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the reasons behind severe exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It utilizes advanced imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging, to measure muscle metabolism and blood flow during physical activity. By examining how metabolic modulators like SGLT2 inhibitors affect muscle function, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms contributing to fatigue and disability in these patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction who experience significant exercise intolerance.

Not a fit: Patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction or those without exercise intolerance may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance exercise capacity and quality of life for patients with heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding muscle metabolism in heart failure, but this specific approach using novel imaging techniques is relatively new and untested.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.