Accelerated Pacing and Cardiac Filling Pressures During Exercise in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

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.

NCT Number	NCT07270536
Lead Sponsor	Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Collaborators: Hartcentrum Hasselt
Conditions	HFpEF
Enrollment	20 participants
Start Date	2025-12-10
Primary Completion	2027-03-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-03-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-06-05