Weight Loss and Mitral Valve Regurgitation Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An Observational Study on the Effects of Weight Loss on Functional Mitral Regurgitation in Obesity
IRAS ID
151138
Contact name
Oliver Rider
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine
Research summary
Background to Study
Normally, when the heart contracts, the outflow valve opens, and the inflow valve shuts (the mitral valve) in order to make sure blood moves forward through the circulation. When the mitral valve does not function properly, a proportion of blood leaks the wrong way, this is called mitral regurgitation. If the mitral valve annulus (the cartilage ring which holds the mitral valve in place) is made larger, pulling the two parts of the mitral valve apart, leaving a gap in the middle where blood can leak backwards. This is called “functional” mitral valve regurgitation, as the structure of the mitral valve itself remains normal. Successful weight loss reduces blood volume, heart size, mitral annular size and reduces blood pressure. As a result we believe that weight loss will reduce the amount functional mitral regurgitation and are running this study to investigate this.
Importance of the Study
In some people, if mitral valve regurgitation is left untreated, the heart can become strained and the valve may need replacing. Mitral valve regurgitation is very common, and the number of people with regurgitation is increasing. Therefore understanding new, non-invasive ways in which mitral valve leaks can be reduced is increasingly important.
Questions this study will answer
Will weight loss reduce mitral valve leakage
Study Design
Observational study
What is involved for participants?
2 Heart scans (MRI and Echo) and simple, non-invasive measurements of body fat before and after 6 months of supervised weight loss (low GI diet).
Potential Benefits for Participants
Potential benefits are two-fold, firstly the general benefits of weight loss, and secondly weight loss may reduce the amount of mitral valve leak.
Who is funding the research?
This study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research
Recruitment Sites
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust sites.REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SC/1239
Date of REC Opinion
2 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion