Impact of Vericiguat on Vascular Biology, as Well as Resting and Exertional Cardiovascular Performance Among Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Vericiguat is a new drug that was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for patients with heart failure. In a large randomized controlled trial, this drug was found to help patients with heart failure live longer and stay out of the hospital more than normal treatment for heart failure. However, it is unclear how this drug positively impacts hemodynamics, meaning how the heart functions during activity/exercise, and how it may also help blood pressure and health of the blood vessels and autonomic nervous system. This study, funded by the drug manufacturer, Merck Corp, will enroll 30 patients with heart failure. The patients will undergo baseline testing, and then be randomized to either receive vericiguat or a placebo for about three months, and then come back for follow-up testing to learn more about how the drug impacts heart function.
• Adults 18 years of age or greater with New York Heart Association functional class II, III, or IV HFrEF with left ventricular ejection fraction \< 45% within 12 months of enrollment;
• elevated brain natriuretic peptide level (BNP) within 30 days of enrollment; and
• history of worsening congestion, defined as a HF-hospitalization within 6 months of enrollment or increase in diuretic therapy without hospitalization within three months of enrollment.