OBESE-HFpEF: Towards Preventing Obesity Related HFpEF

Recruiting now

Conditions studied: Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction, Obesity (Disorder), Heart Failure

In brief

Obesity, severe overweight, is a growing problem worldwide and increases the risk of heart failure, especially a type called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In HFpEF, the heart becomes stiffer. This makes it harder for the heart to fill with blood, which can lead to shortness of breath during physical activity. In the Netherlands, 15% of the population has obesity. In South Limburg, this is even higher at 19%. Among people with HFpEF, obesity is much more common: about 50% of these patients have obesity. Life expectancy in people with HFpEF is poor, and current treatment mainly focuses on reducing symptoms. Early recognition and treatment of risk factors, such as obesity, are therefore very important. This study includes about 250 people with obesity. Using a heart ultrasound and tests of blood and fat tissue, we will look for early signs of HFpEF and study the effects of weight loss. The measurements will be repeated after 1 and 2 years. The goal of this study is to better understand how obesity contributes to HFpEF and how weight loss affects the heart. This research may help improve future treatments for patients with HFpEF.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07539766

Run by

Zuyderland Medisch Centrum

People needed

250

Starts

2025-01-01

Expected to finish

2029-01-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-04-20

Who can join

Age: 35 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age ≥ 35 years
• Eligible for surgical treatment for obesity, according to the Dutch guideline, i.e. a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 or a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 with one or more comorbidities associated with obesity. (23)

You may not qualify if…

• Inability to provide informed consent.
• A BMI >60 kg/m2
• Inability of undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery safely.
• Inability to undergo the study measurement/tests.
• Not proficient in the Dutch language
• A medical history of a reduced LVEF at any time, history of severe cardiac valve defects or severe congenital cardiac defects.
• A medical history of previous metabolic bariatric surgery.

Where it is running

• Zuyderland Medisch Centrum Heerlen — Heerlen, Limburg, Netherlands (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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