Looking for early heart failure signs in people with obesity
Looks for early heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in people with obesity.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: OBESE-HFpEF: Towards Preventing Obesity Related HFpEF
Key facts
- Where
- Heerlen, NetherlandsSee the site
Where in Netherlands
- Zuyderland Medisch Centrum - HeerlenHeerlen, NetherlandsTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Zuyderland Medisch Centrum
- Trial code
- NCT07539766
- Record updated
- 20 April 2026
- Original description
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).Read full original descriptionShow less
OBESE-HFpEF: Prevalence and Mediators of Heart Failure (Preserved Ejection Fraction) in the Dutch Obesity Clinic South - Towards Preventing Obesity Related HFpEF''
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.
Inclusion: 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).
Exclusion: Inability of undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery safely; A medical history of previous metabolic bariatric surgery; A medical history of a reduced LVEF at any time, history of severe cardiac valve defects or severe congenital cardiac defects; Inability to provide informed consent; A BMI >60 kg/m2; Inability to undergo the study measurement/tests; Not proficient in the Dutch language.