Investigating arterial stiffening's role in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Arterial Stiffening as a Predictor for Diastolic Cardiac Dysfunction and HFpEF

Observational University Medical Center Goettingen · NCT06208007

This study is trying to see if measuring how stiff the arteries are can help identify people at risk for developing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Goettingen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Göttingen, Lower Saxony)
Trial IDNCT06208007 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess patients at risk for developing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) through structured clinical evaluations, transthoracic echocardiography, and pulse-wave analysis. The focus is on understanding how arterial stiffening may predict the onset of cardiac diastolic dysfunction and HFpEF. By identifying these associations, the study seeks to enhance early detection and management strategies for at-risk individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study include individuals over 60 years old with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or obesity.

Not a fit: Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction below 50% or significant valve disease are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in at-risk patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous studies have explored the relationship between arterial stiffness and heart failure, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

One or more of the following criteria:

* Age \> 60 years
* Arterial hypertension (RR systolic ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg or ≥ 2 antihypertensive drugs)
* Diabetes mellitus Type I or II
* Atrial fibrillation
* Chronic kidney disease (GFR \< 60 ml/min/1,73 m2 or urine albumin ≥ 30mg/24h or ACR ≥ 30 mg/g)
* BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2
* NYHA ≥ II
* E/e' \> 8

Exclusion Criteria:

* Left ventricular ejection fraction \< 50 %
* Significant valve disease (Grade III or higher)
* History of interventional or surgical valve repair
* Regional wall motion abnormalities
* Respiratory diseases as a known cause for dyspnea
* Atrial flutter or fibrillation during examination
* Hypertrophic/restrictive/arrhythmogenic/dilatative cardiomyopathies including cardiac amyloidosis or sarcoidosis and toxic cardiomyopathy
* History of heart transplantation

Where this trial is running

Göttingen, Lower Saxony

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 FractionCardiovascular Morbidity
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.