NCT06507657 · University of Minnesota
Effect of Empagliflozin on Left Atrial Function in Adults at Risk for Heart Failure
What this study is about
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce CVD events, including incident HF. SGLT2 is a glucose transport protein in the kidneys. Inhibition of this protein results in glucosuria and lower serum blood sugar. The SGLT2i medications were initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). In 2015, Zinman et al.
View original scientific description
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce CVD events, including incident HF. SGLT2 is a glucose transport protein in the kidneys. Inhibition of this protein results in glucosuria and lower serum blood sugar. The SGLT2i medications were initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D). In 2015, Zinman et al. published the first large randomized clinical trial (RCT) demonstrating a lower composite CVD outcome in adults with T2D treated with empagliflozin compared to placebo (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74-0.99). In the specific case of empagliflozin, the hazard ratio was 0.75 (95% CI 0.65-0.86) for HFrEF 8 and 0.79 (95% CI 0.69-0.90) for HFpEF using a treatment dose of 10mg daily. The purpose of this placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized pilot study is to investigate the effect of empagliflozin on left atrial (LA) function in 80 patients who are at risk for heart failure. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to either intake of a 10mg empagliflozin oral tablet or a matching placebo once daily.
Interventions
DRUG
empagliflozin
intake of a 10mg empagliflozin oral tablet At visit 1, after randomization, participants will be provided with bottles containing enough study pills for 3 months duration at 1 tablet daily. Participants will start the study drug on the morning following Visit 1. At the 3 month follow up visit, participants will be provided with enough study pills to complete the remaining 6 months of the study.
DRUG
Placebo tablet
intake a placebo oral tablet At visit 1, after randomization, participants will be provided with bottles containing enough study pills for 3 months duration at 1 tablet daily. Participants will start the study drug on the morning following Visit 1. At the 3 month follow up visit, participants will be provided with enough study pills to complete the remaining 6 months of the study.
Primary outcome measures
change in LA function
Time frame: 9 months
LA function will be quantified by assessing LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile strain with 2DE at baseline and 9 months.
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 \>60 years of age
- Clinical diagnosis of hypertension
- Body mass index ≥30kg/m2
- We will screen for participants with an echocardiogram within 60 days of the baseline visit
Exclusion criteria
- Female participants who are pregnant, lactating, or of child bearing potential
- History of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus by medical history or hemoglobin A1c \>7.0% at Visit 1
- Clinical diagnosis of HFpEF or HFrEF by participant self-report or documented in the electronic health record
- Any LVEF measure of ≤40% on past echocardiogram
- Moderate or severe valve disease on echocardiogram
- History of genitourinary infection
- eGFR \<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at Visit 1
- Current treatment with SGLT2 inhibitor, GLP1 agonist, or DPP4 inhibitors
- Participants in whom coronary revascularization by either PCI or bypass surgery is being contemplated within 6 months, or who have undergone revascularization in the prior 2 months
- Significant allergy or known intolerance to SGLT2 inhibitors or any ingredient in the formulations
- Participants currently experiencing any clinically significant or unstable medical condition that might limit their ability to complete the study, or to comply with the requirements of the protocol, including: dermatologic disease, hematological disease, pulmonary disease, hepatic disease, gastrointestinal disease, genitourinary disease, endocrine disease, neurological disease, and psychiatric disease
- Any malignancy not considered cured (except basal cell carcinoma of the skin). A participant is considered cured if there has been no evidence of cancer recurrence for the 5 years prior to screening
- Participants who have participated in studies of an investigational drug or device within 30 days prior to the screening visit
- Inadequate quality echocardiographic images
- Unstable coronary syndromes
- Major surgery (major according to the investigator's assessment) performed within 90 days prior to Visit 1 or scheduled major elective surgery within 90 days after Visit 1.
- Non-English speaking individuals
Where
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
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 Oct 3, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations