High-intensity interval training and causes of low cardiorespiratory fitness in people with ANOCA

Determinants of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Effects of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in Patients With Angina and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (ANOCA)

Not applicable Interventional University of Virginia · NCT07182955

This project will test whether a four-week remotely monitored high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program can safely improve fitness, heart function, and quality of life for adults with angina but no obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA).

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Virginia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT07182955 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study will enroll 25 adults with angina and no obstructive coronary artery disease confirmed by invasive or CT coronary angiography. Participants will complete baseline cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and questionnaires on symptoms and quality of life, then undergo a four-week remotely monitored HIIT program with wearable monitoring. CPET and the same questionnaires will be repeated after training to measure changes in peak VO2 and to define CPET phenotypes that reflect cardiac, ventilatory, and muscle contributors to exercise limitation. Validated instruments including the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, SF-36, MacNew, CAQ, WLQ, and DASI will be used to capture symptom burden and functional status.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–85 with anginal symptoms and confirmed ANOCA on invasive or CT coronary angiography who can perform CPET, complete English questionnaires, use a wearable, and participate in intermittent high-intensity exercise.

Not a fit: People with systolic heart failure (LVEF <50% or NYHA class III), prior myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization, inability to safely perform CPET or HIIT, pregnant individuals, or those unable to participate in English are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could raise peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), reduce anginal symptoms, and improve daily functioning and quality of life using an accessible remote exercise program.

How similar studies have performed: Previous HIIT studies in patients with coronary disease and heart failure have improved VO2peak and functional capacity, but HIIT and CPET phenotyping are relatively underexplored specifically in ANOCA.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-85
* ANOCA (Anginal symptoms of chest pain or exertional dyspnea suspected to be from myocardial ischemia Invasive or CT coronary angiogram without obstructive epicardial CAD (≥50% left main or ≥70% other epicardial stenosis or fractional flow reserve ≤0.80)
* Able to use the wearable and participate in a remote exercise program
* Able to participate in intermittent high-intensity training.
* Able to perform cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)
* Able to provide Health-related quality of life questionnaire (HRQOL)
* Participants must be able to understand and provide informed consent in English and complete the study questionnaire in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Systolic heart failure (LVEF \<50% or NYHA class III symptoms)
* Prior myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization
* Inability to safely undergo cardiopulmonary exercise testing, based on investigator's judgment
* Pregnancy (due to unknown effects on CPET exercise markers)
* Inability to provide informed consent
* Life expectancy \<1 year
* Prisoners
* Cognitively impaired
* Non-English speaking

Where this trial is running

Charlottesville, Virginia

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.
Conditions MINOCAShortness of BreathAtherosclerotic Heart Disease of Native Coronary ArteryANOCA/MINOCAHigh Intensity Interval TrainingCPET PhenotypeCardiorespiratory Fitness
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.