Millions of people worldwide are affected by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a complex and widespread disease. Now, a significant research project in Denmark aims to shed new light on this condition. The CAPTURE-project, funded with a grant of DKK 473 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, intends to improve both the quality of life and in the long run the survival rates of people with HFpEF.
“CAPTURE will make a substantial difference for many, many people, both in Denmark and globally, due to its scale and innovative methodology,” says Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
“This is the largest grant we have ever awarded for a clinical research project, and CAPTURE is particularly important because this type of heart failure arises from cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. These are illnesses that are increasingly prevalent worldwide and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations,” adds Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen.
HFpEF is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation globally and is associated with diminished quality of life and increased risk of premature death. Approximately 1–2% of the adult population live with heart failure, and it is estimated that nearly half of these cases are HFpEF.
Unlike other types of heart failure, HFpEF remains poorly understood. Stemming from diverse causes, the condition is difficult to diagnose and leads to many kinds of complications, making research into the disease essential.
A transformative approach to heart failure
CAPTURE, a nationwide project anchored at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, will run for seven years and involve hospitals and researchers across all five of Denmark’s health regions. Utilising cutting-edge data collection and adding artificial intelligence for advanced analyses, the study will bring together Danish and international experts, paving the way for advancements in this type of research.
“CAPTURE is expected to shape the future for countless heart patients and the overall healthcare system. We will gain valuable insights into the disease and potential treatment options. I am proud that this project has received such a significant grant, demonstrating the exceptional expertise and capacity for collaboration within Denmark’s cardiology departments,” says Bodil Ørkild, Deputy Director at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital.
A serious and growing issue
HFpEF, is a condition where the heart struggles to expand and fill with sufficient blood. Over time, HFpEF affects not only the heart but also the lungs, liver, fat tissue, skeletal muscles, and kidneys.
Around 1–2% of the adult population is diagnosed with heart failure, making it one of the leading causes of hospitalisation. HFpEF accounts for roughly half of all heart failure cases, and the number of individuals affected is set to rise in the coming years. Around 15% of patients die within three years following an HFpEF diagnosis.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation is supporting the CAPTURE project with a grant of DKK 473 million.
FACTS:
HFpEF: Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. A type of heart failure where the heart can eject blood normally but struggles to expand and fill with sufficient volume of blood.
CAPTURE-HFpEF: Cardiovascular Assessment and Phenotyping for Timely Understanding and Recognition of Evolving Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. A research project into HFpEF funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Learn more about CAPTURE at captureheart.dk
A national study with global impact
The CAPTURE project aims to generate research-driven knowledge on the early detection and treatment of HFpEF, helping to unravel the complex processes leading to the disease. The expectation is that the project will result in more targeted and effective treatments, improving the lives of those affected while reducing morbidity and mortality.
Utilising Denmark’s comprehensive health registries, citizens aged 50–90 years who meet specific criteria will be invited to participate in the study. The goal is to provide AI-assisted screenings to 30,000 people across Denmark’s five health regions. Subsequently, 5,000 high-risk individuals will undergo in-depth examinations of their health profiles and characteristics to identify possible causes of HFpEF and develop new treatments.
Watch the video about CAPTURE:
