Using advanced heart imaging to find HFpEF
Official title: Assessing the Ability to Improve the Diagnosis of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Advanced Imaging Techniques
Run by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06905405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test if advanced heart imaging and related tests can help diagnose people with breathlessness who have normal heart pumping but suspected HFpEF.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Sheffield, South Yorkshire and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 18, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06905405 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with exertional breathlessness, NT‑proBNP >400 ng/L in sinus rhythm, and a dilated left atrium on echocardiography but otherwise inconclusive standard testing are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior reduced ejection fraction heart failure, atrial fibrillation, current angina, inability to consent, or contraindications to SGLT2 inhibitors are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with unexplained exertional breathlessness who have an indeterminate standard heart ultrasound and elevated NT‑proBNP will be recruited from the diagnostic heart failure clinic in Sheffield. Enrolled participants must be in sinus rhythm with a dilated left atrium but not meet standard echocardiographic criteria for heart failure, and will be excluded for atrial fibrillation, prior reduced‑EF heart failure, active angina, inability to consent, or contraindications to SGLT2 inhibitors. Participants will complete quality‑of‑life questionnaires (EQ‑5D‑5L and KCCQ), perform two 6‑minute walk tests, and undergo advanced cardiac imaging; results will be compared with standard tests and, where available, invasive haemodynamic reference data. The aim is to determine whether noninvasive imaging markers can identify patients with HFpEF who are currently missed by routine assessment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could identify more patients with HFpEF earlier so they can access disease‑specific treatments and potentially improve symptoms and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Invasive haemodynamic testing has supported the diagnostic concept, and prior imaging studies have suggested promise, but using advanced noninvasive imaging as a definitive alternative remains under active investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female \> 18yrs of age. * Symptoms of dysponea on exertion. * NTproBNP \>400 ng/L in sinus rhythm (SR). * Baseline TTE demonstrating a dilated LA (LA\>34 ml/m2), but that otherwise does not meet the current criteria for the diagnosis of HFpEF or HFrEF (preserved LV systolic function, Normal E/e', no evidence of LVH, Estimated PAP \< 35mmhg). Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to give informed consent. History of HFrEF * contraindications to SGLT2 inhibitor (a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus, ketoacidosis, allergy to SGLT2 inhibitors, planned or current use of SGLT2 inhibitors or active genital infection). * Atrial Fibrillation. * Current history of anginal chest pain
Where it's running
-
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom Recruiting -
University of Sheffield
Sheffield, United Kingdom Not yet recruiting
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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.