NCT07178145 · University of Virginia
Epicardial Adipose Tissue Composition and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
What this study is about
This study seeks to develop improved cardiac MRI (CMR) methods to quantify epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) composition and to demonstrate the advantages of EAT composition imaging (a) in advancing the understanding of the relationship between EAT and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and (b) for understanding mechanisms of and guiding medical therapy in HFpEF.
View original scientific description
This study seeks to develop improved cardiac MRI (CMR) methods to quantify epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) composition and to demonstrate the advantages of EAT composition imaging (a) in advancing the understanding of the relationship between EAT and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and (b) for understanding mechanisms of and guiding medical therapy in HFpEF. The investigators recently developed the first method for quantifying EAT FAC in human subjects, utilizing a rate-6 accelerated radial 2D multi-echo gradient-echo breathhold acquisition with a local low rank reconstruction. In this project the first specific aim is to develop a rapid free-breathing 3D EAT FAC MRI method that reduces motion-related artifacts, increases coverage, and facilitates higher spatial resolution and improved FAC reproducibility. The second specific aim is to show that EAT FAC is more strongly associated than EAT volume with cardiometabolic HFpEF. In this context, individuals with known or suspected HFpEF will undergo CMR, echocardiography, and other testing to (a) diagnose cardiometabolic HFpEF; (b) characterize features associated with the severity of HFpEF; and (c) assess EAT volume and FAC. The investigators will determine if EAT FAC is more strongly associated than EAT volume with HFpEF and with features associated with the severity of HFpEF. The third specific aim is to show, in the context of cardiometabolic HFpEF and pre-HFpEF, (a) that GLP-1 receptor agonism with semaglutide (SEMA) shifts the EAT FAC to a less proinflammatory profile and (b) that baseline EAT FAC is a stronger predictor than EAT volume of improved cardiovascular function due to SEMA. Cardiometabolic HFpEF and pre-HFpEF subjects will undergo echocardiography and CMR with EAT FAC at baseline and after 3 months to serve as a self-control. Subjects will then undergo repeat imaging 6 months after the initiation of SEMA. The change in FAC after treatment with SEMA will be compared to the change in FAC prior to SEMA. Data will be analyzed to show that SEMA changes EAT FAC, and that baseline EAT FAC is a stronger predictor than EAT volume of improvements in severity of HFpEF.
Interventions
DRUG
GLP-1RA
Receive 6 months of GLP-1RA (Semaglutide) treatment starting at 0.25mg once weekly and then the dose will be up titrated as tolerated every four weeks to once-weekly doses of 0.5, 1.0, 1.7, and 2.4 mg until a maximum dose of 2.4mg (or the subject's maximally tolerated dose, if the subject's maximally tolerated dose is \<2.4 mg) is reached after 16 weeks.
Primary outcome measures
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) fatty acid composition (FAC)
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months (self-control period), and 9-months (6 months post semaglutide treatment)
The longitudinal change in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) fatty acid composition (FAC) \[quantified in terms of the fraction of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in units of %\] that occur after 6 months of treatment with semaglutide will be compared to the change in SFA that occurred during 3 month period prior to the initiation of semaglutide.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years - 90 years;
- LVEF ≥ 50%;
- ≥ 2 risk factors for HFpEF or symptoms that could be related to HFpEF (e.g., dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, lower extremity edema, pulmonary edema, etc);
- Not currently being treated with GLP-1RA therapy.
Exclusion criteria
- • Previously or currently reduced EF (\<50%), including heart transplant; (2) Obstructive un-revascularized coronary disease by coronary CT or invasive coronary angiography;
- MI/PCI/CABG within the past 6 months;
- Untreated severe stenotic or regurgitant valvular disease;
- Infiltrative cardiomyopathy (Fabry/HCM/sarcoid/amyloid, etc);
- Myocarditis;
- Claustrophobia/inability to tolerate MRI;
- Implants that are a contraindication for MRI or may negatively impact image quality (e.g. pacemakers and ICDs);
- Active systemic inflammatory disorder;
- Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response at time of study; and
- Hemodynamic instability
- Inability to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria for Optional Cardiac Stress Imaging Procedure
- allergy to gadolinium-based contrast agents
- Acute kidney injury
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \< 30 mL/min/1.73 m²
- Hepatorenal syndrome
- History of liver transplant
- High-grade atrioventricular (AV) block
- Active asthma exacerbation
- Known allergy to vasodilator agents
- Recent seizure
Where
- Charlottesville, Virginia
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations