Effects of Epicatechin on Functional Capacity, Skeletal Muscle Structure and Diastolic Function in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFPEF)

University of California San Diego

Status: Completed

Conditions: Heart Failure

Treatments: Dietary Supplement: CocoaVia

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02068040

UCSD IRB 130398

Details and patient eligibility

About

The major goal of this proposal is to characterize the ability of epicatechin which a component of dark chocolate to improve the

1. structural and functional features of skeletal muscle (SkM)
2. exercise capacity (as assessed by VO2 max)
3. parameters of diastolic heart function (as assessed by echocardiography)

We propose that a 3 month treatment with epicatechin (through CocoaVia® capsules) will lead to a significant improvement in exercise capacity and diastolic function.

Full description

Patient Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:

1. New York Heart Association Class II/III HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF) of >50%.
2. Nonsmokers
3. Subject not taking Coumadin, Xarelto, Prasugrel or Pradaxa. Patients on Plavix for drug eluting stent will not be excluded.
4. Ages between 40-65. We will exclude any women of child bearing potential

Enrollment: 7 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 40 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Medically Diagnosed Heart Failure with Ejection Fraction of >55%
• BMI 27-32
• No Significant HbA1C fluctuations in past 6 months

Exclusion criteria

• Smoking or quit smoking less than 1 year prior to enrollment
• Substance Abuse
• Taking Coudmadin or Pradaxa

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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7 participants in 1 patient group

CocoaVia capsules

Experimental group

Description:

From baseline to 3 months, patients will consume 2 capsules containing pure epicatechin

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: CocoaVia