Nervous-system control of blood flow in HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction)

Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients with HFpEF

['FUNDING_R01'] · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · NIH-11319744

Researchers will measure whether overactive nerve signals make blood vessels tighten and cause exercise limits in people with HFpEF, a form of heart failure with normal pumping strength.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11319744 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would come to the clinic for tests at rest and during light exercise so the team can see how your nerves and blood vessels respond. They will record blood pressure, limb blood flow, and nerve signals that control vessel tightening, and may use brief tasks like handgrip or cycling. The team may also test responses to medicines that act on the nervous system. Findings will be used to understand why people with HFpEF become short of breath and tire quickly.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults diagnosed with HFpEF who have exertional shortness of breath or exercise intolerance and who can attend in-person clinic visits are the best fit.

Not a fit: People with other forms of heart failure (like reduced ejection fraction), major unrelated illnesses, or who cannot perform simple exercise tests may not benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to reduce nerve-driven vessel tightening and improve exercise tolerance and daily function for people with HFpEF.

How similar studies have performed: Related studies have shown sympathetic overactivity limits blood flow in other types of heart failure, but applying this approach specifically to HFpEF is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

SALT LAKE CITY, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.