Investigating exercise difficulties in heart failure patients
Official title: Exercise Intolerance in Heart Failure: the Role of Altered Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Energetics
Run by Johns Hopkins University · NCT03775577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to understand why people with heart failure have trouble exercising by looking at the energy levels in their heart and leg muscles.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2017 |
| Main results expected | August 2027 |
| Study ends | August 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03775577 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults over 21 years old with a clinical diagnosis of heart failure and current NYHA Class II-III symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to MRI or significant valvular abnormalities may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research focuses on understanding the metabolic abnormalities in cardiac and skeletal muscles of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that contribute to exercise intolerance. The study will measure metabolites in the heart and leg muscles using magnetic resonance techniques to assess levels of high-energy phosphates and lipids. By identifying these metabolic issues, the study aims to shed light on the challenges faced by patients in performing daily activities and exercising.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for patients with heart failure, enhancing their ability to exercise and perform daily activities.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored metabolic abnormalities in heart failure, but this specific approach using magnetic resonance techniques is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients of either gender who are greater than 21 years of age (no upper age limit), * Permission of patient's clinical attending physician, * Previous clinical diagnosis of HF with current New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II-III symptoms for at least 1 month, * Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) \>50% by echocardiography, MRI, CT or x-ray or nuclear ventriculography within prior 12 months, * Stable medical therapy for at least 30 days (no addition or removal or major (\>100%) dose change of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) antagonists, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers for hypertension). Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of participation and give meaningful consent, * Contraindications to MRI such as implanted metallic objects (pre-existing cardiac pacemakers, cerebral clips) or indwelling metallic projectiles, * Significant valvular abnormalities, * Pregnant women (women of childbearing potential will undergo blood or urine pregnancy testing), * History of clinical CAD or significant epicardial coronary disease (\>50% stenosis) in major coronary artery by x-ray or CT angiography unless (a) the patient underwent prior successful revascularization with percutaneous coronary angioplasty within the prior three years and (b) there are no residual lesions of \>50% on the most recent coronary angiographic study. * History of infiltrative cardiomyopathy or constrictive pericarditis, * Cor pulmonale, * Significant pulmonary disease, * Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<20ml/min, * Any condition other than HF which could limit the ability to perform a 6MW or cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) test (e.g., critical peripheral vascular disease, significant orthopedic or neurological conditions), * Any diseases other than HF which are likely to significantly alter the patient's global perception of status or quality of life over a period of 6 months. * Significant peripheral vascular disease
Where it's running
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Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Robert G Weiss, MD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Matthew Kauffman
- Email: mkauffm7@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 443-287-3475
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.