Effects of Sauna on Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Function in Patients With HFpEF (SAUNA-HFpEF)

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.

The intervention was twice weekly for a period of 10 weeks. : All participants will undergo a standardized series of assessments such as echocardiogram, CPET, 6-MWT, muscle strength measurements, and skeletal muscle biopsies. In case of clinical improvement, these benefits are likely to diminish over time if sauna bathing is discontinued. To address this, patients will be invited for a follow-up visit three months after completing the intervention. All investigations will be repeated, except for the skeletal muscle biopsy.

Inclusion criteria

• 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

Exclusion criteria

• 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
• Stroke
• 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