Using carvedilol to treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Slow-release CArvedilol in Patients With REduced Strain and Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure (CARE-preserved HF): A Prospective Randomized, Double-Blinded, Multicenter Study

Phase 4 Interventional Seoul National University Bundang Hospital · NCT05553314

This study is testing if a medication called carvedilol can help people with heart failure and high blood pressure feel better and improve their heart function over six months.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Bundang Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Seoul, Il-won and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05553314 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of slow-release carvedilol in patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and hypertension. It aims to determine the impact of carvedilol on NT-proBNP levels and global longitudinal strain (GLS) over a six-month period. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either carvedilol or a placebo, with the primary endpoint focusing on changes in biomarkers and heart function. The study builds on previous findings that suggest beta-blockers may improve outcomes in specific subgroups of HFpEF patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 20 years and older with symptomatic HFpEF, elevated NT-proBNP levels, and hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to beta-blockers or those with severe comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option for patients with HFpEF, potentially improving their heart function and overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that beta-blockers can improve outcomes in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, but their efficacy in HFpEF remains less established, making this approach somewhat novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥20 yrs
* symptomatic HFpEF with LVEF≥50%
* NT-proBNP ≥220 pg/ml (sinus rhythm) or ≥660 pg/ml(AF) (BNP ≥80 pg/ml (sinus rhythm) or ≥240 pg/ml(AF) )
* SBP≥140mmHg and/or DBP ≥90mmHg, or if taking anti-hypertensive medication, SBP ≥110mmHg.
* LAVI≥29(sinus rhythm)/34ml/m2 (AF) or LVMI≥115(male)/95(female) g/m2
* meet one the following

  1. Average E/e'≥ 9
  2. Septal e' \< 7 cm/s
  3. Lateral e' \<10 cm/s
  4. TR velocity \> 2.8 m/s
  5. PASP \> 35 mmHg
  6. GLS \< 16%

Exclusion Criteria:

* systolic blood pressure \< 110 mmHg, or heart rate \< 60 beats/min
* contra-indication to beta-blockers
* creatinine\> 2.4mg/dL
* amyloidosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstruction, severe aortic or mitral valve disease, acute coronary syndrome, Cerebrovascular event within 6 months, PCI within 3 months before
* AST/ALT \>3 x normal upper range

Where this trial is running

Seoul, Il-won and 1 other locations

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 Failure With Preserved Ejection FractionBeta BlockerMyocardial StrainHFPEFbeta-blockerreduced strainBNP
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.