Effects of a two-week ketogenic diet on heart function in patients with heart failure

Effects of 2-week Ketosis on Myocardial Ketone Body Consumption, Utilization, and External Efficiency in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

NA · Aarhus University Hospital · NCT06398964

This study tests if a two-week ketogenic diet can improve heart function in people with heart failure by helping their hearts use a different type of energy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAarhus University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Aarhus, Region Midtjylland)
Trial IDNCT06398964 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how a two-week ketogenic diet impacts the heart's ability to utilize ketone bodies for energy in patients suffering from chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The research focuses on measuring the consumption and efficiency of ketone bodies, specifically 3-hydroxybutyrate, as an alternative energy source for the heart. By comparing the effects of a ketogenic diet to an isocaloric placebo drink, the study aims to determine potential improvements in heart function and overall patient outcomes. The findings could provide insights into new dietary interventions for managing heart failure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients under 55 years old with diabetes or elevated HbA1c levels and significant cardiac conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic heart failure classified as NYHA class II-III or with a left ventricular ejection fraction below 40% may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that improve heart function and quality of life for patients with heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging research on the benefits of ketone bodies in heart failure, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diabetes or HbA1c \> 48 mmol/L
* significant cardiac valve disease
* severe stable angina pectoris
* severe comorbidity as judged by the investigator
* inability to give informed consent
* Age \<55 years
* Other disease or treatment making subject unsuitable for study participation as judged by the investigator

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic heart failure
* NYHA class II-III
* left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \<40%
* Negative urine-HCG for women with childbearing potential

Where this trial is running

Aarhus, Region Midtjylland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

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.