The Effect of Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibition on Cardiac Fibrosis in Patients With HFpEF (ARNICFH)

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) comprises approximately 50% of all heart failure. The effectively therapeutic approaches for HFpEF remain limited. The PARAGON-HF trial found that Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibition (ARNI) has potential benefits for the management of HFpEF. Nevertheless, the role of ARNI in cardiac fibrosis in HFpEF are still unclear. We will conduct a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of ARNI on cardiac fibrosis in patients with HFpEF by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We will randomly assign 60 patients with HFpEF (NYHA II-IV) class, ejection fraction ≥ 50% and elevated level of natriuretic peptides to receive sacubitril-valsartan (target 100mg bid) or placebo (100mg bid). The primary endpoint is change in extracellular volume [ECV] measured by CMR. The secondary endpoints were 6-minute walking distance(6-WMD), KCCQ, hospitalizations for heart failure, myocardial infarction and death.