Effects of Acutely Elevated Afterload on Left Ventricular Contractility and Relaxation

Effects of Acutely Elevated Afterload oN Left VentRicular Contractility and RElaxation in Heart Failure With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Aim of the study is to assess the effects of abruptly increased afterload on left ventricular contractility and relaxation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF), and patients without HFPEF or HFREF.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical indication for left and right heart catheterization
• HFPEF (Group 1) OR HFREF (Group 2) OR absent echocardiographic evidence of HFREF OR HFPEF(Group 3)

AND

• Sinus rhythm during invasive measurements
• Age ≥18 years
• Negative pregnancy test in women with childbearing potential
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute coronary syndrome
• Acute myocardial infarction <6 months
• Planned cardiac surgery or cardiovascular intervention within 6 months following inclusion
• Valvular heart disease >2°
• Severe comorbidities with limited life expectancy <12 months
• Precapillary pulmonary hypertension
• Participation in another trial