EAT HFpEF V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The role of epicardial adiposity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
IRAS ID
329334
Contact name
Gaurav Gulsin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
12 years, 9 months, 3 days
Research summary
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heart condition which makes people feel tired, breathless and develop swollen limbs. It can lead to being hospitalised and increased risk of death, but very little is known about why HFpEF occurs and there are not many treatments available. High levels of fat around organs in the body may be a cause of HFpEF, particularly in people who are obese. In particular, we think that too much fat around the heart could be a major contributor to the development of HFpEF.
We can measure the amount of fat around the heart using a CT scanner and also look at how the heart muscle functions using MRI and ultrasound scans. These tests will allow us to see how various fat deposits in the body contribute to people developing HFpEF and compare patients who are obese to those who are of normal weight.
In this single centre, prospective, case-control study we are aiming to recruit 130 patients with HFpEF to undergo CT and MRI scans, as well as some other investigations including blood tests, to help us investigate this. Each patient will attend for one research visit at the hospital where these tests will be performed. We will then follow participants up using NHS digital records.
This may lead to the development of new treatments aimed at lowering fat levels around the heart and in the rest of the body, specifically to treat HFpEF. This could improve symptoms for patients with HFpEF, improve survival and reduce the number of times they are admitted to hospital.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0316
Date of REC Opinion
21 Oct 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion