Stopping beta-blockers in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Official title: Effect of Beta-blocker Discontinuation on Functional Capacity and Cardiac Hemodynamics in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Run by UConn Health · NCT05174351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot will try stopping beta-blockers for about 4 weeks in people with HFpEF to see if symptoms, walking distance, and heart function change.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | UConn Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Farmington, Connecticut) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 20, 2021 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05174351 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults age 50–80 with HFpEF (EF ≥50%) and grade 2–3 diastolic dysfunction who are on chronic loop diuretics and a beta-blocker and have NYHA class II–III symptoms or BNP ≥100 are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose beta-blocker is prescribed for other cardiac conditions such as atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease, those with heart rate >100 bpm, recent HF hospitalization, or who cannot attend the study visits are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective pilot enrolling 30 stable HFpEF patients who are currently taking a beta-blocker, with two visits about 4 weeks apart. At the first (clinic) visit the team documents baseline status, then beta-blockers are stopped and patients return about 4 weeks later for a research visit with questionnaires, a limited echocardiogram, and a 6-minute walk test. The goal is to measure changes from baseline to 4 weeks after withdrawal; there is no long-term follow-up beyond the second visit. Patients with beta-blockers prescribed for other cardiac conditions, recent HF hospitalization, or high resting heart rate are excluded for safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could show that stopping beta-blockers improves symptoms, exercise tolerance, or heart function for some people with HFpEF and help avoid unnecessary medication.
How similar studies have gone: This specific approach is relatively novel in HFpEF with only limited prior pilot data, so there is sparse evidence to date supporting broad success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Stable HFpEF patients with NYHA Class II-III or elevated BNP ≥100 * N=30 (Target: 30). * Age: 50 \~ 80 years. * ECHO evidence of EF ≥50% and Grade 2 or 3 diastolic dysfunction. * Chronic loop diuretic use * Currently on beta-blocker Exclusion Criteria: * Beta blocker was prescribed for treating other cardiac conditions such as atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease. * Heart rate \> 100 bpm * Recent hospitalization due to HF within 3 months * Non-English speaker
Where it's running
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UConn Health / John Dempsey Hospital
Farmington, Connecticut, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kai Chen, MD,PhD — UConn Health
- Study coordinator: Kai Chen, MD,PhD
- Email: kachen@uchc.edu
- Phone: 860-679-3343
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Remote rehabilitation for HFpEF patients using telerehabilitation
A home-based telerehabilitation program is being tested to see if it is safe and helpful for people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
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EDG-15400 in adults with HFpEF: a phase 2 study
This phase 2 study tests different doses of EDG-15400 against placebo in adults with HFpEF to see if it is safe and tolerable.
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Incretin therapy with tirzepatide for obesity-related HFpEF
A 15-month study will test whether tirzepatide helps people with obesity and HFpEF by reducing plasma volume.
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Boosted exercise with group coaching for HFpEF
This trial tests a blended, guided exercise program with group coaching and remote monitoring to see if it helps older adults with HFpEF improve activity and health at a lower cost.
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Exercise cardiac MRI for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
This study will try low-field exercise cardiac MRI to see if it can diagnose, describe, and predict risk in people with HFpEF compared with those who have non-cardiac breathlessness and healthy volunteers.
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HRS-1893 for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
This trial will test whether HRS-1893 is safe and tolerable in adults aged 40 and older who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
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.