Afferent Block for Heart Failure
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This research in Veterans with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) will provide new information on the mechanisms determining the patients' exercise intolerance and the efficacy of regular physical activity to improve this shortcoming by alleviating the patients' neurocirculatory abnormalities. Specifically, the investigators will focus on the role of nerves originating in working limb muscles in determining the patients' exercise intolerance and compromised fatigue resistance before and after a chronic exercise intervention. By focusing on a specific mechanism, this project will evaluate the validity of exercise as an alternative treatment strategy with the overall purpose of improving the quality of life of Veterans with HFpEF.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
How does the Afferent Block treatment for heart failure differ from other treatments?
The Afferent Block treatment for heart failure is unique because it targets the Cardiac Sympathetic Afferent Reflex (CSAR), which is a positive-feedback mechanism that amplifies sympathetic activity. By blocking this reflex, the treatment aims to reduce the excessive sympathetic activity that contributes to heart failure, unlike traditional treatments like beta-blockers that primarily work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Afferent block for heart failure?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Markus Amann, PhD
Principal Investigator
VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Veterans with a type of heart failure where the heart muscle pumps out a normal amount of blood (HFpEF). It's not for those whose hearts can't pump enough blood (reduced ejection fraction). Participants will explore how exercise affects their condition.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo a supervised 12-week knee-extension exercise training program to evaluate the effect of chronic exercise on muscle afferents and exercise tolerance
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the exercise training program
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Afferent block
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead Sponsor