MyoVasc Study on the Development and Progression of Heart Failure

"MyoVasc" is an observational cohort study investigating the development and progression of heart failure (HF). The primary objective of the study is: i, to advance the understanding of pathomechanisms of the heterogenous syndrome in the full range of clinical presentation, ii, to evaluate current clinical phenotypes of HF, and iii, to identify and describe homogenous subgroups with regard to disease development using a systems-oriented approach. A special focus is put on the investigation of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in contrast to the more investigated and established phenotype with reduced ejection fraction. Further aspects comprise inter alia the relevance of metabolic dysregulation, inflammation and coagulation for the course of the disease.

The primary endpoint of the study is the combined outcome "worsening of heart failure" defined as transition from asymptomatic to symptomatic heart failure, hospitalization due to heart failure, or cardiac death. Secondary endpoints are the components of the primary endpoint, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease, venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation, and all-cause death. Disease progression is monitored by a large panel of biomarkers for structure and function of cardiac and vascular systems and related organs.

Individuals aged 35- to 84-years with echocardiographic signs of heart failure irrespective of the clinical status are enrolled and a subsample of controls without heart failure. Individuals were recruited from health institutions and a population sample from the registration office. The study sample comprises approx. 3,200 individuals, of which N~2,700 individuals have heart failure and N~500 individuals are controls. Study participants receive a highly standardized 5-hour baseline examination in the study center with examinations of the cardiovascular system (e.g. anthropometrics, 2D- and 3D-echocardiography, carotid sonography, vascular function, ankle-brachial index, body plethysmography, capacity exercise testing, blood pressure measurements (resting, ABPM), ECG (12-lead, holter), computer-assisted personal interview, and venous blood withdrawal for bio banking). Annual follow-up examinations are performed via computer-assisted telephone interviews tracking comprehensively the participants´ health status, assessing current medication and recording clinical events. Every two years, the participant is invited again to the MyoVasc Study Center for the conduct of sequential follow-up investigations, which are identical to the initial examination.

Inclusion criteria

• Asymptomatic heart failure or symptomatic heart failure
• Written consent
• Sufficient knowledge of the German language, in order to understand study documents and computer assisted interview without any translation

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals who are not able to visit the study center due to psychological or physical impairment
• STEMI within the last 4 months, NSTEMI within the last 3 months
• Acute decompensated heart failure
• Surgery, especially coronary artery bypass grafting within the last 3 months
• Acute disease, especially acute infectious disease, endocarditis, myocarditis or pericarditis