The Effect of Sauna on Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Function in Patients With HFpEF (SAUNA-HFpEF): A Mechanistic, Pilot Prospective, Single-arm, Single Centre Study
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 18
- 试验地点
- 2
- 主要终点
- Exercise capacity
研究概览
简要总结
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a type of heart failure where the heart pumps normally but patients still experience symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and reduced ability to exercise. Many patients with HFpEF also have muscle weakness and limited mobility, which makes it difficult to follow traditional exercise programs like running or cycling. While there have been improvements in treating other types of heart failure, finding effective options for this specific form remains a challenge.
This study will explore whether bio-sauna bathing-a form of mild heat therapy-can help improve muscle function and exercise ability in patients with HFpEF. Sauna therapy might offer similar benefits to light exercise and could be easier and safer for older patients or those who can't do intense physical activity. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether regular sauna sessions is safe in patients with HFpEF and if it can improve exercise capacity, reduce shortness of breath, and support muscle health in patients with HFpEF.
详细描述
The aim of the study is to test the safety and efficacy of intermittent hyperthermia (sauna) in a pilot study on patients with HfpEF regarding cardiac function, exercise capacity, skeletal muscle structure and function, metabolomic changes, and quality of life both at baseline and after the intervention with sauna.
Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that intermittent hyperthermia (sauna) is a feasible intervention in patients with HFpEF. Explorative, the effect of the intervention on filling pressure (E/é) as well as on the level of NT-pro-BNP, will be tested. Peripherally, skeletal muscle function (including metabolic and mitochondrial function) and structure. Finally, the effects of the intervention on QoL will be tested.
Questions to be answered through our investigation,
- Is hyperthermia intervention (sauna) feasible in patients with HF?
- Does sauna improve exercise capacity? (CPET, 6MWT, skeletal muscle strength and endurance).
- Does sauna improve cardiac function (Echocardiography).
- Understanding the related pathophysiology of the observed results on skeletal muscle and exercise capacity on molecular and mitochondrial level (skeletal muscle biopsies and the following tissue analysis parallel to blood analysis).
- The role of inflammation in the altered muscle structure and function and its possible reversibility through sauna.
- Observing changes in QoL and mental health (depression and anxiety).
The results of this study will be supportive in planning the randomised controlled clinical trial.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Na
- 干预模型
- Single Group
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 50 Years 至 —（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •NYHA class II or III, clinically stable in the previous three months
- •Females and males, age >50 years
- •Left ventricular EF >50%, and at least 2 of the following: left atrial volume index (LAVI ≥34ml/m2) or E/e' >9 or interventricular septal thickness >12mm or pulmonary arterial pressure >35mmHg (noninvasive measurement) for HFpEF as recommended according to the ESC-HF-guidelines.
- •Stable on standard HF medication according to the ESC-HF guidelines in the last 4 weeks
排除标准
- •Major cardiovascular event or procedure such as myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), aortocoronary bypass operation in the previous 3 months.
- •Patients who have an indication for dual platelet inhibition
- •Patients with mechanical heart valves or implanted cardiac devices
- •Pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis
- •Patients with altered or reduced sweat function, such as in autoimmune diseases, spinal cord injuries or Fabry disease
- •Symptomatic hypotension regardless of the measured value and those with BP systolic <110 mm Hg
- •Patients on oral anticoagulation for other reasons than atrial fibrillation
- •Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c>8%), severe renal dysfunction, GFR<30ml/min) or pulmonary disease (COPD GOLD ≥3)
- •Primary muscle disorder (e.g., muscular dystrophies)
- •Neurological disease (e.g., Dementia or Parkinson syndrome)
- •Right ventricular dysfunction or uncontrolled arrhythmias
- •Any condition that in the opinion of the investigator could prohibit performance of 6MWT
结局指标
主要结局
Exercise capacity
时间窗: 10 weeks
The clinical effect of sauna on peak VO2 (ml/min)
次要结局
未报告次要终点
研究者
Tarek Bekfani
Associate Professor Tarek Bekfani, MD, MSc (Oxon.), FESC, FHFA
Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg