The use of advanced imaging in HFpEF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing the ability to improve the diagnosis of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction using advanced imaging techniques
IRAS ID
349901
Contact name
Abdallah Al-Mohammad
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) causes symptoms of breathlessness and leg swelling. It is associated with significant number of hospital admissions and could lead to the patient’s death. In HFpEF, the pumping function of the heart is normal but the heart is too stiff to fill properly. The first line investigation is an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography). A number of parameters are assessed that indicate stiffness within the heart or raised pressures within the heart. However, most of these parameters lack sensitivity which can make HFpEF difficult to diagnose. The best test is to invasively measure the pressures in the heart at rest and with exercise in a procedure called heart catheterisation. However, this is invasive and not readily available. As a result, HFpEF is significantly under diagnosed meaning many patients do not get access to disease specific treatment that may improve symptoms and quality of life.
There are a number of new imaging techniques that may help us to better identify HFpEF . However, it is not currently known how to best apply them in clinical practice
In this study, we will recruit patients presenting to the HF clinic at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals who have symptoms of HFpEF but whose diagnosis remains unclear after initial assessment. The impact of their symptoms will be assessed with the use of a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire and a six-minute walk test (6MWT).
They will undergo advanced imaging with a specialist echocardiogram and a cardiac MRI scan. If they are found to have features of HFpEF, they will be started on disease specific treatment. All patients will be followed up after six months to see if they have any symptomatic or functional improvement. They will also undergo repeat imaging to see if there has been any change in the imaging parameters.REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0684
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion