CompletedNot Applicable

Factors Contributing to Increased Left Ventricle Size in Patients With Abnormally Enlarged Hearts

United States175 participantsStarted 1999-02

Plain-language summary

The human heart is divided into four chambers. One of the four chambers, the left ventricle, is the chamber mainly responsible for pumping blood out of the heart into the circulation. There is an inherited condition affecting the heart, passed on through genetics, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM causes the left ventricle to become abnormally enlarged (left ventricular hypertrophy LVH). Some patients with the abnormal genes that may cause HCM do not have the characteristic LVH. Approximately 20 - 40% of patients with the genetic abnormality (missense mutation of genes encoding for sarcomeric protein) actually have an enlarged left ventricle. Because of this, researchers believe there may be other factors, along with the genetic abnormality that contribute to the development of HCM. Researchers are interested in learning more about several factors they suspect may play a role in the development of HCM. Specifically, researchers plan to study levels of a hormone and the protein it attaches to, which may contribute to the development of an abnormally enlarged heart. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) work together with growth hormone (GH) in the development and maturation of many organ systems. Previous studies have suggested that these hormones affect the development and function of the heart. Patients participating in this study will undergo a variety of tests including collection of blood samples, echocardiogram of the heart, treadmill exercise test, and continuous electrical monitoring of heart activity (Holter monitor).

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

INCLUSION CRITERIA HCM subjects 5 years or older, with distinct sarcomeric gene mutations and LV wall thickness greater than 15 mm in subjects older than 18 years, and greater than 2 SDs in subjects 18 years of age or younger, as assessed by MRI. Age- and gender-matched blood relatives with sarcomeric gene mutations but without LVH. Age- and gender-matched blood relatives without sarcomeric gene mutations. EXCLUSION CRITERIA History of hypertension (basal systolic and diastolic pressures above 170 mm Hg and 95 mm Hg, respectively) or another systemic or cardiac disease that may cause cardiac hypertrophy. History of recent acute illness or other chronic illness that might affect plasma levels of IGF-I and IGFBP3. History of thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus or abnormally elevated fasting blood sugar. Any conditions which would exclude patients from undergoing MRI scan.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00001878

SponsorNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.