Examining small vessel disease in women with heart issues
Official title: Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) Mechanisms of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Leading to Pre-Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)
Run by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NCT03876223 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how small blood vessel problems in the heart affect women with heart issues who don't have blocked arteries, to help understand heart failure better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 24, 2019 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03876223 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include symptomatic men and women over 18 years old with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and no obstructive coronary artery disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe chronic kidney disease, significant allergies to imaging agents, or certain heart conduction issues may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the role of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) among symptomatic individuals without obstructive coronary artery disease. Participants will undergo invasive coronary angiography and various assessments, including provocative stress testing and cardiac MRI, to evaluate myocardial ischemia and left ventricular function. The study will involve up to two clinic visits, followed by phone interviews and annual check-ins to monitor participants' progress over one year.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better prevention strategies for heart failure in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding coronary microvascular dysfunction, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion: 1. 180 symptomatic men and women undergoing invasive coronary angiography for suspected ischemia with no obstructive CAD, defined as ≥50% luminal diameter stenosis in ≥1 epicardial coronary artery. 2. Preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) ≥45% 3. Be \> 18 years old 4. Be able to meet the requirement for a cardiac MRI, which means no metal devices in your chest, no claustrophobia and no angioedema 5. Be competent to give informed consent Exclusion: 1. Subjects with severe or chronic kidney disease (CKD) with GFR\<405 or acute kidney injury 2. Subjects with allergy to animal dander will be excluded since imaging will be done in BIRI (BIRI scanners are also used to image animals). 3. Subjects who have had four or more prior previous gadolinium contrast scans 4. Allergy/ hypersensitivity to adenosine, gadolinium, aminophylline or regadenoson 5. Second- or third-degree A-V block 6. Sinus node disease, such as sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia (except in patients with a functioning artificial pacemaker) 7. Subjects with mild to severe asthma
Where it's running
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting -
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, FACC — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: BSWHC Research
- Email: BSWHC.Research@cshs.org
- Phone: 310-423-9666
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Renal Nerve Stimulation to Help Blood Pressure in AF and HFpEF
This study tests whether stimulating the kidneys with a catheter can safely lower blood pressure in adults with atrial fibrillation and HFpEF who also have hypertension.
-
Cardio-Metabolic Clinic care for adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
This trial tests whether a specialized Cardio-Metabolic Clinic can improve heart function and overall health for adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared with usual care.
-
Optimised Cardio-Renal Care for CKD and heart disease
This study tests whether a specialised Cardio-Renal Clinic can improve heart and kidney health and quality of life for adults with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.
-
Resmetirom for MASH with HFpEF in adults
This study tests whether resmetirom can be given safely and show liver-related effects in adults with MASH and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction over 24 weeks.
-
Elecoglipron vs placebo for adults with HFpEF or HFmrEF
This Phase 3 study tests whether elecoglipron helps people with HFpEF or HFmrEF who are on dapagliflozin and standard care.
-
Coronary thrombus modification to reduce microvascular damage during STEMI care
This study tests whether modifying the clot in the heart arteries during primary PCI can lessen microvascular damage and myocardial injury in STEMI patients.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.