Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

MyoVasc Study on the Development and Progression of Heart Failure

The MyoVasc study is carefully observing people over time to learn more about how a condition called heart failure starts and gets worse. Researchers are especially interested in understanding the different forms of heart failure. They want to see how these different types affect the body's blood vessels and what that means for someone living with heart failure. The study also aims to identify different groups of people within the heart failure community, which could lead to more tailored treatments in the future. This information could be very helpful in improving how we treat and manage heart failure for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Enrolment target

3,289

Start

01 Jan 2013

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2028

Heart Failure

What is this study about?

The MyoVasc study is a research project designed to help doctors and scientists better understand heart failure. Think of it like a detective story, where researchers are gathering clues to piece together the full picture of this condition. They are particularly interested in how heart failure develops over time and why it affects people in different ways. Some people have a type of heart failure where the heart struggles to pump blood out, while others have a type where the heart struggles to relax and fill with blood. This study is shining a spotlight on both types.

A key part of this study is looking at how the different types of heart failure interact with the body's blood vessels. This interaction is really important because healthy blood vessels are vital for a healthy heart. By understanding these connections, researchers hope to figure out how to stop heart failure from getting worse and how to prevent serious problems like hospital stays or even death from heart-related issues. They are also looking at other factors like metabolism (how your body uses energy) and inflammation (your body's protective response, which can sometimes cause problems) to see how they play a role.

To do all this, the study is carefully monitoring a group of around 3,200 people. About 2,700 of these individuals have heart failure, while about 500 don't — these latter individuals are called 'controls' and help researchers compare findings. The researchers will track these people over time and collect a lot of information, including various measurements and blood tests, to see how their hearts and blood vessels are doing.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand how heart failure develops and progresses.
It focuses on different types of heart failure and their impact on blood vessels.
Researchers will observe people over time without giving new treatments.
Participation involves one comprehensive health check-up, lasting about five hours.
Your involvement helps improve future understanding and care for heart failure.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women between the ages of 35 and 84 years old.

To be considered, you must have some signs of heart failure that can be seen on a special heart scan called an echocardiogram, even if you don't feel any symptoms yet. You also need to be able to understand study information and fill out questionnaires in German.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've had a recent severe heart attack or heart surgery in the last few months, or if your heart failure has suddenly worsened and you feel very unwell. You also wouldn't be eligible if you have an acute illness like an infection, or if you can't travel to the study center due to physical or mental health reasons.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 35 and 84 years old?
Have you been told you have signs of heart failure (even if you feel well)?
Can you understand spoken and written German?
Have you *not* had a heart attack in the last 3-4 months?
Are you able to travel to a study center for appointments?
Are you *not* currently very unwell with an acute infection or worsening heart failure?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would come to a study center for one main visit. This visit is quite comprehensive and is expected to last about five hours. During this time, the researchers will carry out a highly standardised examination of your cardiovascular system. This includes taking various measurements of your body, performing detailed ultrasound scans of your heart (both 2D and 3D) and your neck arteries, and checking how your blood vessels are working. You wouldn't be given any new medications as part of this study, as it's purely observational, meaning researchers are just watching and collecting information over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your heart health, as no new treatments are being tested. However, your participation is very valuable as it helps us understand heart failure better, which could lead to improved care for future patients. The examinations you receive are standard and generally safe, but as with any medical procedure, there's always a very small risk of discomfort. You can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz
Verified postcode
Mainz, Germany

Common questions

What is heart failure?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood as well as it should be. It doesn't mean your heart has stopped, but it can make you feel tired or breathless.

What is an 'observational study'?

An observational study means researchers are carefully watching and collecting information about people over time, without giving them new treatments. They are just observing what happens naturally.

Will I get medication in this study?

No, this study does not involve giving you any new medications or treatments. It's about collecting information about your heart health over time.

How long will I be in the study?

The main part of your involvement will be a five-hour visit at the study center. The study itself will follow participants over a longer period to see how their heart condition changes.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal information gathered during the study will be kept confidential and handled securely according to strict privacy regulations.