What is HFpEF? In heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the heart pumps well but struggles to relax and fill with blood between beats. This raises the pressure inside the heart, especially during physical activity, causing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue - even with light activities like walking or climbing stairs.
What is this study about? Recent research suggests that a higher heart rate may help lower this elevated pressure. Many HFpEF patients already have a pacemaker. This study investigates whether simply increasing the pacemaker rate during light exercise can reduce the pressure in the heart.
How does the study work? We wille measure heart pressures in 20 patients in rest and while cycling using a heart catheter and monitor their breathing. Throughout these measurements, we will gradually increase the pacemaker rate step by step.
Why does this matter? If a higher pacemaker rate successfully lowers heart pressure, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to improve daily functioning and comfort for thousands of patients with HFpEF, justifying further long-term studies to evaluate effects beyond the immediate changes in heart pressures.
Voluntary written informed consent of the participant has been obtained prior to any screening procedures
At least 18 years of age at the time of signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF)
EF >= 45% and HFA-PEFF score >= 5 (Heart Failure Association-Pre-test assessment, Echocardiography and natriuretic peptide, Functional testing, Final etiology; heart failure association of the European Society of Cardiology and the Heart Failure Association (34))
EF >= 45% and H2FPEF score >= 6 (Heavy, Hypertensive, Atrial fibrillation, Pulmonary hypertension, Elder, Filling pressure; Mayo Clinic group (35)))
None
Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Lead sponsor
Hartcentrum Hasselt
Collaborator