Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

TransitionCHF Systolic Dysfunction to Congestive Heart Failure Cohort Study

This study, called TransitionCHF, is for people whose hearts are showing early signs of weakness but who aren't experiencing any symptoms of heart failure. The main goal is to understand how and why some people with this early heart weakness go on to develop full-blown heart failure, while others don't. By identifying key differences, the researchers hope to find better ways to predict and prevent heart failure, leading to improved care for patients in the future. The study will also collect information and samples to create a unique resource for other researchers in Germany.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Göttingen

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Dec 2014

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Systolic Dysfunction, Transition, Heart Failure, Biobank

What is this study about?

The TransitionCHF study is looking into a condition where the heart isn't pumping as strongly as it should, but you might not feel any symptoms yet. Think of it like a car engine that's starting to show a bit of wear, but it's still running smoothly. Doctors call this 'systolic dysfunction' or 'asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction'.

The main aim of this study is to follow a group of people with this early heart weakness to see what happens over time. Researchers want to find out why some people eventually develop symptoms of heart failure – like breathlessness or swelling – while others manage to stay symptom-free. They will be looking at different factors, including biological markers in your body, to see if they can predict who is most likely to develop symptoms.

The information gathered from this study is really important. It will help doctors better understand how heart failure develops and, crucially, how to improve current treatment guidelines. By learning more about the early stages, new and better ways to prevent or manage heart failure could be developed, ultimately benefiting many patients in the future. The study will also create a valuable collection of data and samples that other heart researchers can use.

Key takeaways

The study helps understand early heart weakness before symptoms appear.
It aims to predict who might develop heart failure symptoms.
No new medicines are given in this study.
Your health will be monitored over time if you take part.
Information from the study could improve future heart failure treatments.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older and your heart is not pumping as strongly as it should, but you don't have any symptoms of heart failure at the moment. Your doctor must have confirmed that your heart's pumping ability (ejection fraction) is less than 40% within the last three months, either through an echocardiogram (a heart scan) or an MRI scan.

Also, if you've been in hospital for heart failure before, it must have been at least two years ago, and only once. Crucially, you shouldn't be feeling any heart failure symptoms like breathlessness or swelling at the time of joining the study.

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 18 or older?
Has a doctor told you your heart's pumping ability is less than 40% recently?
Do you currently have no symptoms of heart failure (like breathlessness or swelling)?
Have you not been in hospital for heart failure more than once, and not in the last two years?
Are you able to give your full permission to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve several visits to the clinic over time to monitor your health. You will undergo various assessments, which may include further heart scans (like echocardiograms), blood tests to look for specific markers, and physical activity tests, such as a walking test to see how far you can walk in six minutes. The team will explain exactly what each visit involves and how often they will be. This study does not involve new medications, but instead observes your health journey. The full duration of your participation will be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might not directly benefit you, but the information collected will greatly help doctors understand heart failure better, potentially leading to improved care for future patients. There are no significant risks expected beyond those associated with routine medical checks like blood tests or scans. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University Medical Center Goettingen
Verified postcode
Göttingen, Germany

Common questions

What is 'systolic dysfunction'?

It means the main pumping chamber of your heart isn't squeezing as effectively as it should, but you might not feel any symptoms yet.

What is 'heart failure'?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood around your body as well as it should. This can cause symptoms like breathlessness or tiredness.

Will I receive new medicine in this study?

No, this study is about observing how your condition changes over time, not testing new medications.

What is a 'biobank'?

A biobank is like a library for biological samples (like blood) that researchers can use to study diseases and find new treatments.

What does 'NYHA' mean?

NYHA is a way doctors classify heart failure symptoms. NYHA I means you have no symptoms during normal activity. Higher numbers mean more severe symptoms.