Extra energy for hearts with a genetic defect: ENERGY trial.

Aims: Previous studies have shown that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation carriers have a decreased myocardial energy efficiency, which is thought to play a key role in the pathomechanism of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The ENERGY trial aims to determine whether metabolic drugs correct decreased myocardial energy efficiency in HCM mutation carriers at an early disease stage.

Methods: 40 genotype-positive, phenotype-negative MYH7 mutation carriers will be treated for two months with trimetazidine or placebo in a double-blind randomised study design. Directly before and after treatment, study subjects will undergo an [C]-acetate positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scan to measure myocardial energy efficiency. Myocardial efficiency will be calculated as the amount of oxygen the heart consumes to perform work.

Conclusion: The ENERGY trial will be the first proof of concept study to determine whether metabolic drugs are a potential preventive therapy for HCM. Given that trimetazidine is already being used in clinical practice, there is large potential to swiftly implement this drug in HCM therapy.