Nervous-system control of blood flow in HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction)
Official title: Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients with HFpEF
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11319744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $670,447 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162856-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11319744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wray, D. Walter — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Wray, D. Walter
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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.