Understanding Exacerbations in Heart Failure: Monitoring with Apple Watch
Official title: Ted Rogers Understanding of Exacerbations in Heart Failure 2 (TRUE-HF2): Observational Study
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT07447908 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether data from an Apple Watch, combined with clinical information, can help predict worsening heart failure in adults living with the condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Newmarket, Ontario and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 2029 |
| Study ends | September 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07447908 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with heart failure (NYHA I-IV), regardless of ejection fraction, who recently had a heart failure-related hospital or ED event and can use English, with consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients unable to perform CPET per protocol, those with end-stage renal disease on dialysis, LVAD recipients, or those deemed unfit by the study team may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multicenter observational study aims to validate whether wearable-derived biometric data, together with demographic, cardiac, and biomarker information, can improve prediction of heart failure outcomes. Building on prior work with Apple Watch data, the study seeks to correlate continuous wearable signals with changes in cardiopulmonary fitness and early signs of decompensation. The goal is to enable accessible, longitudinal monitoring of cardiopulmonary status for diverse outpatient heart failure patients, potentially reducing the need for tertiary-center CPET testing. Enrollment includes adults with various stages of heart failure, including both reduced and preserved ejection fraction, who recently experienced hospitalization or diuretic therapy intensification. Primary and secondary outcomes focus on fitness surrogates, clinical deterioration, hospital utilization, and mortality, analyzed across multiple centers in Canada.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier detection of worsening heart failure and more timely interventions through a noninvasive, wearable-based monitoring approach.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests wearable data can reflect cardiopulmonary status, but prospective validation in diverse outpatient HF populations is ongoing and valuable.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * broad age range (\> 18 years of age) * NT-proBNP \> 400 or 1000 if in AF * Within 3 months post discharge from HF hospitalization/ HF ED visit/ HF rapid clinic visit with intensification of diuretic therapy * NYHA functional class I-IV, heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction * Literacy in English * Patient provided informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to perform a CPET based on the standard protocol * End stage renal disease requiring dialysis * Living with LVAD * MRP deems patient unfit for the study * Post heart transplant
Where it's running
-
200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting -
Southlake Health
Newmarket, Ontario, Canada Not yet recruiting -
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chris McIntosh, PhD — University Health Network, Toronto
- Study coordinator: Ryan Li, MASc
- Email: ryan.li@uhn.ca
- Phone: 6479669330
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Using urine sodium to guide IV diuretic dosing for hospitalized acute heart failure
This trial will test whether increasing IV diuretic doses to reach higher urine sodium levels helps hospitalized adults with acute decompensated heart failure remove more salt and fluid and have fewer readmissions.
-
Can liver stiffness testing help detect high central venous pressure in heart failure patients
A non-invasive FibroScan test is being used to see if liver stiffness can indicate elevated central venous pressure in adults with heart failure.
-
Wearable chest patch that monitors heart mechanics for people with heart failure
This project will try a small wearable chest patch that records heart movement (seismocardiography) and ECG to see if it can detect early worsening in adults with NYHA class II–IV heart failure.
-
Using Apple Watch data to predict heart failure outcomes
This study is testing if data from Apple Watches can help predict heart failure problems and the chances of needing to go back to the hospital for patients with heart failure.
-
Comparing Aortix Device to Diuretics for Acute Heart Failure
This study is testing whether the Aortix device can help people with acute heart failure who aren't responding to diuretics feel better compared to standard treatment.
-
Myocardial Energetics Across Cardiovascular Disease Spectrum Using 31P-MRS
Researchers are testing whether phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) can map heart energy metabolism across healthy people and patients with various heart conditions.
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.