Improving health in heart failure patients with diet and exercise

The Effect of a High Fiber Diet and High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Not applicable Interventional University of Virginia · NCT05236413

This study is testing if a 4-week program of high-intensity exercise and a heart-healthy diet can help people with heart failure feel better and live longer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Virginia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT05236413 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance health and survival in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) by implementing a 4-week program of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, either separately or in combination. The research addresses the lack of established guidelines for improving clinical outcomes in HFpEF patients, focusing on both exercise and dietary interventions. By examining the effects of these approaches on cardiovascular risk markers, the study seeks to identify effective rehabilitative therapies for this growing patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 40 and older diagnosed with HFpEF who have NYHA class II-III symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, or severe heart failure symptoms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved physical function and health outcomes for patients with HFpEF.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using exercise and dietary interventions for heart failure patients, but this specific combination approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥40 years of age
* Diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
* NYHA class II-III symptoms
* Physician clearance to undergo exercise training
* Physician clearance to consume DASH diet
* Complete COVID-19 vaccination status

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unstable angina
* Myocardial infarction in the past 4 weeks
* Uncompensated heart failure
* NYHA class IV symptoms
* Complex ventricular arrhythmias
* Musculoskeletal contraindications to stationary bicycling exercise
* Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis
* Acute pulmonary embolus
* Acute myocarditis
* Uncontrolled hypertension
* Medication non-compliance
* Unable to follow DASH diet
* Food allergies (Nuts, wheat)
* Pregnant women

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 Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection FractionHIITDASHHigh FiberHFpEFheart failure
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.