Investigating blood proteins related to heart failure

Circulating Markers That Underlie the Transition From Compensated Hypertrophy to Heart Failure

UConn Health · NCT00762008

This study is trying to see if two specific proteins in the blood can help identify when people with heart failure are having a worsening episode.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUConn Health (other)
Locations1 site (Farmington, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT00762008 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to identify whether two specific proteins in the blood are elevated during episodes of acute heart failure. These proteins are produced when the heart's function deteriorates, and their levels may indicate the transition from compensated hypertrophy to acute heart failure. The study will analyze blood samples from individuals with heart failure and healthy controls to establish a correlation between protein levels and heart failure symptoms. By understanding these biomarkers, the research seeks to improve early detection and prevention strategies for heart failure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals over 18 years with stable or decompensated heart failure symptoms, as well as healthy individuals without a history of heart issues for comparison.

Not a fit: Patients who have undergone recent cardiac or non-cardiac surgery or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and management of heart failure, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality.

How similar studies have performed: While the study explores a novel approach to identifying biomarkers for heart failure, previous studies have shown the importance of biomarkers like BNP in heart failure diagnosis, indicating potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals aged \>18yrs
* stable or decompensated heart failure, irrespective of LVEF
* decompensated heart failure clinical symptoms such as dyspnea, rales, edema, elevated jugular venous pressure, or ascites
* Imaging evidence of heart failure (cardiomegaly, poor contractile function or echocardiographic Doppler evidence of diastolic dysfunction or elevated right- or left-sided filling pressures)
* Healthy individuals with no prior history of heart attack or heart failure will be recruited to use as controls.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects who are unable to give informed consent
* Subjects who had undergone cardiac or non-cardiac surgery in the 3 months before enrollment
* Pregnant subjects are not excluded

Where this trial is running

Farmington, Connecticut

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: Acute Decompensated Heart Failure, Heart Failure, biomarkers

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.