Improving breathing and exercise capacity in heart failure patients with obesity

Targeting Breathing Limitations to Improve Functional Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

NA · University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT05723679

This study is testing if breathing a special helium-oxygen gas mixture can help people with heart failure and obesity breathe better and exercise more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment78 (estimated)
Ages55 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05723679 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how pulmonary limitations affect exertional dyspnea and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity. It includes clinical screening tests such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing and pulmonary function testing to assess the interaction between HFpEF and obesity. The study will also conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effects of breathing a helium-oxygen gas mixture on reducing obesity-related breathing constraints. The goal is to determine if this intervention can improve functional outcomes for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with signs and symptoms of heart failure, an ejection fraction greater than 0.50, and evidence of diastolic dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients under 55 years of age, those with a BMI over 50 kg/m2, or those with severe comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved breathing and exercise capacity for patients suffering from HFpEF and obesity.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on HFpEF and obesity, the specific approach of using a helium-oxygen gas mixture is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* signs and symptoms of heart failure
* an ejection fraction \> 0.50;
* objective evidence of diastolic dysfunction. elevated biomarkers (NT-proBNP \>300 ng/dl) or HF hospitalization
* healthy volunteers

Exclusion Criteria:

* age \< 55 years
* BMI \> 50 kg/m2
* Atrial fibrillation with poorly controlled heart rate
* phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor use
* severe valvular disease
* severe Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
* Chronic kidney disease (CKD) 4 or higher
* any restriction of ambulation and mobility.

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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 Preserved Ejection Fraction, Obesity, exertional dyspnea, exercise intolerance, HFpEF, breathing limitations, cardiopulmonary physiology

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.