Why repaired Tetralogy of Fallot can cause heart rhythm problems and low exercise capacity
Pathophysiologic Mechanism for Arrhythmias and Impaired Aerobic Capacity in Tetralogy of Fallot
This project looks at whether rising pressure in the right atrium leads to arrhythmias and worse exercise ability in adults who had Tetralogy of Fallot repaired.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134442 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you had Tetralogy of Fallot repaired, the team will follow adults over time using heart ultrasound (including IVC hemodynamics) to estimate right atrial pressure, blood tests such as NT-proBNP, exercise testing to measure aerobic capacity, and rhythm monitoring to detect arrhythmias. They will compare people with early signs of right atrial hypertension to those without to see how the right heart remodels and when symptoms begin. The researchers will examine whether doing pulmonary valve replacement before right atrial hypertension appears might change outcomes. Regular clinic visits and active follow-up will connect the physiologic measurements with symptoms and clinical events.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (age 21 or older) with a prior repair of Tetralogy of Fallot who are willing to undergo echocardiograms, blood tests, exercise testing, and rhythm monitoring.
Not a fit: People without repaired Tetralogy of Fallot, those under age 21, or those unwilling to attend center visits and testing would not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors identify patients earlier and time pulmonary valve replacement to prevent arrhythmias, declining exercise capacity, and premature right heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has linked right atrial hypertension and right-heart remodeling to worse outcomes in repaired Tetralogy of Fallot, but using these measures to guide earlier pulmonary valve replacement is a relatively new and not yet proven approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Egbe, Alexander — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Egbe, Alexander
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 below.