Cardiac Steatosis clinical trials

Cardiometabolic Effects of Eplerenone in HIV Infection

Background: People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a high risk of getting visceral or deep belly fat. Visceral fat can cause health problems like heart or liver disease. Researchers want to see if a blood pressure drug can help by blocking a hormone in the body. Objective: To see if eplerenone reduces fat stored in the heart muscle and liver in people with HIV and increased visceral fat. Eligibility: Adults ages 18 75 with HIV and increased waist circumference. Increased waist circumference is defined as more than 40 inches in men and more than 35 inches in women. Design: Participants will be screened with: Physical exam Medical history Blood tests Measurements of hips, waist, legs, arms, shoulders, and neck Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. They will lie on a table that slides into a machine. Electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure heart electrical activity Transient elastography, a special ultrasound to measure liver tissue stiffness A small piece their liver collected (optional) Participants will have a baseline visit: Physical exam Medical history Blood tests DEXA scan to measure body fat, muscle mass, and bone density. Participants will lie on a table while a very small dose of x-rays goes through the body. Resting energy expenditure (REE). This measures the amount of oxygen breathed in and carbon dioxide breathed out. Participants will get a 1-week supply of eplerenone. They will take one pill per day. Participants will have a follow-up visit 1 week later. They will have: Physical exam Medical history Blood tests 23-week supply of eplerenone Participants will have 5 more follow-up visits. Participants will have a final study visit, repeating many of the screening and baseline tests.