Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 40 and up

Understanding heart function in COPD patients through exercise and imaging

Official title: Phenotyping Resting and Exertional Right Ventricular Dysfunction Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT05896579 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how exercise affects heart function in people with COPD to see if it can help us understand their heart health better.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 22, 2023
Main results expectedMay 2030
Study endsAugust 2030
Registry record updatedMay 8, 2026
Trial IDNCT05896579 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with COPD and evidence of pulmonary artery enlargement.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe cardiovascular disease or those requiring high levels of supplemental oxygen 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 study aims to investigate heart function in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), focusing on how the right ventricle responds to pulmonary hypertension during both rest and exercise. By utilizing right heart catheterization and imaging techniques, the researchers will identify patterns of right ventricular dysfunction. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies for COPD patients by enhancing our understanding of their cardiovascular health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better treatment options for patients with COPD and associated right ventricular dysfunction.

How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in this area, this specific approach to understanding right ventricular dysfunction in COPD through exercise and imaging is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* COPD (determined by ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity \[FEV1/FVC\] \<0.7)
* Age \>= 40 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exacerbation of COPD in the 3 months prior to enrollment
* Change in COPD therapy in the 3 weeks prior to enrollment
* Requirement of \>6 LPM supplemental oxygen at rest
* Requirement of \>10 LPM supplemental oxygen with exertion
* Active/uncontrolled cardiovascular disease (e.g. hypertension with blood pressure \>150/100 despite antihypertensives; coronary artery disease with angina; left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%; arrhythmia; pulmonic, mitral or aortic valvular abnormality greater than mild in severity; tricuspid regurgitation greater than moderate in severity)
* Volume overload (jugular vascular distension or greater than trace peripheral edema)
* World Health Organization Functional Class IV
* Known pulmonary hypertension with mean pulmonary artery pressure \>45 mmHg
* Untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea or obesity hypoventilation syndrome
* Active malignancy (other than skin)
* Medical conditions that limit exercise on an upright stationary bicycle (e.g. severe osteoarthritis, imbalance/gait instability, etc.)
* Pregnancy
* Body mass index \<18 or \>40
* Hematocrit \<25% or \>55%
* For invasive CPET, chronic anticoagulation that is unable to be held for the study visit
* For invasive CPET, forced expiratory volume in 1 second of \<20%

Where it's running

  • University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
    Aurora, Colorado, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  • Levosimendan to see if it helps the heart after PEA in CTEPH

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.