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Heart FailureSeptember 2024Summary reviewed August 2026

Diabetes Pill Helped Hearts Pump Better During Exercise in Heart Failure Patients

Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction took dapagliflozin (a diabetes medication) or placebo for 24 weeks. During exercise, the dapagliflozin group showed improved blood flow to the lungs and better right heart function. The improvements were linked to reduced pressure in the heart.

What the trial was testing

The CAMEO-DAPA enrolled 38 patients with heart failure. The study was sponsored by Mayo Clinic and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

Dapagliflozin improved lung blood vessel flexibility and right heart function during exercise in heart failure patients.

JAMA cardiology · 2024 · NCT04730947

These findings — that the pill made lung blood vessels more flexible during exercise compared to placebo — were published in the JAMA cardiology and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 38 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with heart failure, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This treatment is FDA-approved for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. If you have this type of heart failure, ask your doctor whether dapagliflozin might help you — especially if you struggle with exercise or shortness of breath. This study found it helped the right side of the heart work more efficiently during activity.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.