Investigating muscle metabolism and exercise intolerance in heart failure patients
Official title: Muscle metabolism, metabolic modulators and disabling exercise intolerance in the daily life of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11034130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $113,659 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HL171873-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction who experience significant exercise intolerance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction or those without exercise intolerance may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samuel, Thomas Jake — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Samuel, Thomas Jake
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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.