Understanding how heart failure affects lung blood vessels

Mechanisms of Pulmonary Vascular Dysfunction in Heart Failure

Observational Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine · NCT06331208

This study is trying to understand how heart failure affects the blood vessels in the lungs to find new ways to help people with these problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment230 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInstitute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine Government
Locations1 site (Prague)
Trial IDNCT06331208 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the mechanisms behind pulmonary vascular dysfunction in patients with heart failure, particularly focusing on the metabolic factors that contribute to this condition. By utilizing untargeted metabolomics and advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify novel biomarkers and pathways associated with pulmonary vascular disease. Participants will undergo right heart catheterization and various non-invasive tests to gather comprehensive data on their heart and lung function. The findings could lead to targeted therapies for patients suffering from heart failure-related pulmonary vascular issues.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

Not a fit: Patients with severe renal insufficiency, acute coronary syndrome, or other types of pulmonary hypertension may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments for patients with heart failure and pulmonary vascular dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using metabolomics in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in identifying biomarkers for other cardiovascular conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
A) Inclusion Criteria

HF group:

* age\>18y
* signed informed consent,
* left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction \<50%
* duration of HF\>6 months,
* loop diuretic use,
* clinical indication to right heart catheterisation

Control group:

* Age \>18years
* Signed informed consent
* Non-HF subjects referred to Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM) in Prague for an invasive procedure (PFO closure, arrhythmia ablation, for subjects undergoing RHC) or non-invasive diagnostic evaluation (controls without invasive sampling)

B) Exclusion Criteria:

Heart Failure group:

* Patients with hemodynamic instability requiring inotropic support
* Severe renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration rate \<0.6 ml/s)
* Acute coronary syndrome
* High cardiac output (cardiac index \>4 l/m2)
* Known pulmonary hypertension of other type than II (type I, III, IV)
* Active infection
* Respiration insufficiency
* Large pleural effusion
* Severe intrinsic lung disease (treated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  * asthma, known interstitial lung disease)

Control group:

* Pulmonary hypertension (RV systolic pressure estimate on screening \> 45 mmHg)
* History of recent pulmonary embolism \< 1 year
* Echocardiographic evidence of reduced function of right or left ventricle
* Treated asthma/COPD, known intersticial lung disease
* Significant exercise intolerance (NYHA \> II)

Where this trial is running

Prague

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.
Conditions Heart FailurePulmonary HypertensionPulmonary Vascular Resistance Abnormalityheart failurepulmonary Hypertensionpulmonary VasculopathyType 2 pulmonary Hypertensionright heart catheterisation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.