Assessing exercise capacity in heart failure patients before and after AF ablation
Exercise Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Before and After Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
This study is testing how atrial fibrillation ablation affects the exercise ability of heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction before and four months after the procedure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 110 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Vermont Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Burlington, Vermont) |
| Trial ID | NCT05376748 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational pilot study aims to evaluate the exercise capacity of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) before and four months after undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Participants will be screened based on specific criteria, including a high probability of HFpEF and recent echocardiogram results. The study will track changes in peak oxygen consumption as a measure of exercise capacity, providing insights into the impact of AF ablation on physical performance in this patient population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for AF ablation with a confirmed diagnosis of HFpEF.
Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than 12 months or significant valvular disease may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help improve exercise capacity and overall quality of life for patients with HFpEF undergoing AF ablation.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on AF ablation and heart failure, this specific approach focusing on exercise capacity in HFpEF patients is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * H2FpEF score of ≥ 6 (corresponding to \>90% probability of HFpEF (19)) * echocardiogram within the past 2 years that reported a LV ejection fraction ≥ 50% * at least one symptom of HF (dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea). * AF ablation scheduled at UVMMC Exclusion Criteria: * Life expectancy \<12 months * moderate or more valvular disease * inability to walk on a treadmill
Where this trial is running
Burlington, Vermont
- University of Vermont Medical Center — Burlington, Vermont, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicole Habel, MD — University of Vermont
- Study coordinator: Nicole Habel, MD
- Email: nicole.habel@uvmhealth.org
- Phone: 8028470000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.