Angina

Researchers are evaluating erectile function changes in male patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for either a heart attack or stable angina. The study aims to understand how myocardial infarction affects erectile function over time and to explore whether erectile dysfunction can predict future cardiac events. This observational study compares erectile function between patients with myocardial infarction and those with stable angina using standardized questionnaires. Participants are grouped into two sets: those treated with PCI after a heart attack and those treated due to stable angina. Erectile function is assessed at baseline (after recovery from PCI), and at 3 and 6 months post-procedure using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Additional assessments include the Beck Depression Inventory and Fear of Cardiac Recurrence and Progression Scale. Researchers also collect clinical data such as cardiac vessel scores, ejection fraction, testosterone levels, body measurements, medication use, and the intervention method. During the study, male participants aged 30 to 75 will complete face-to-face interviews and questionnaires at specified intervals: baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after PCI. The study measures changes in erectile function scores over time and examines associations with cardiac health, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Safety and participation are monitored throughout the follow-up period. The total duration of involvement is up to 6 months, with evaluations focusing on erectile function and related health parameters.

Researchers are studying patients with elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels above 30 mg/dL who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation but have not experienced cardiovascular events or significant bleeding within 12 months after the procedure. The trial aims to compare whether extending dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) from the standard 12 months to 24 months can reduce major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events such as death, heart attack, and stroke. This randomized, double-blind trial also evaluates if longer DAPT is as safe as the standard duration regarding bleeding and net adverse clinical events. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group receives aspirin combined with clopidogrel for 24 months after PCI, while the other group receives aspirin plus a placebo identical to clopidogrel for 12 months. The therapy is delivered as oral medications daily. The study includes a follow-up period with assessments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after randomization to monitor outcomes. The trial is conducted across multiple centers with blinded evaluation of results. During the study, participants will undergo regular monitoring to assess cardiovascular events and bleeding incidents, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, and various bleeding types classified by the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium. Data will be collected through clinical visits and evaluations at predefined intervals up to 12 months after randomization. The research team will analyze these measures to determine the efficacy and safety of extended DAPT in this high-risk population. The total study duration includes treatment and follow-up phases to ensure comprehensive outcome assessment.

Researchers are evaluating a new 10-minute cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging protocol designed to improve current CMR procedures for patients with various heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and other cardiac diseases. The study aims to develop a standardized, contrast-free imaging method that can be applied to about 70% of cardiac patients. The goal is to assess whether this shorter protocol enhances diagnostic decision-making and reduces healthcare costs. The study involves two groups: healthy volunteers over 18 years old without significant cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, and patients over 18 years who require a clinically indicated CMR exam. The new protocol focuses on heart function and tissue characterization without using contrast agents. Researchers will compare the new 10-minute protocol to standard CMR imaging, evaluating its clinical feasibility, performance, and cost-effectiveness in different patient populations. Participants will undergo CMR scans using both the new and standard protocols. Researchers will monitor diagnostic results, scan completion rates, scan sequence times, adverse events, and cost differences between methods. Various heart tissue measurements and reproducibility between different readers and scanners will also be assessed. The study spans from 2019 to 2025, with ongoing safety monitoring during imaging sequences and a focus on improving the efficiency and quality of cardiac imaging.

Researchers are evaluating the accuracy of myocardial imaging using integrated 18F-FDG PET/MR to detect viable heart muscle in patients with ischemic heart disease. The study also aims to see if this imaging method can replace the current standard that combines 18F-FDG PET with 99mTc MIBI SPECT/CT gated myocardial perfusion imaging. This is important as assessing heart muscle viability helps predict treatment success and select the best surgical options, especially before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Participants will undergo two procedures within two weeks before surgery: an integrated 18F-FDG PET/MR scan, and a combined 18F-FDG PET/MR plus 99mTc MIBI gated myocardial perfusion imaging. These imaging techniques allow doctors to evaluate heart blood flow, metabolism, muscle vitality, and function simultaneously. The study focuses on patients with significant coronary artery narrowing and reduced heart function, some of whom may also receive stem cell treatments alongside CABG. During the study, participants will sign informed consent and complete the imaging scans, with outcome measures including myocardial perfusion and metabolic imaging assessed approximately two days after the scans. Researchers will monitor heart function and muscle viability to help determine surgical outcomes. The study runs until 2026 and involves adults under 80 years with specific heart conditions, ensuring comprehensive assessments to support future heart disease treatments.

Researchers are studying patients with acute coronary syndrome who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention to understand the risk factors that affect the occurrence and prognosis of this condition. This observational study will follow participants for at least two years to track major adverse cardiovascular events, including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and ischemic stroke. The study is led by Su Guohai and aims to gather comprehensive data to improve knowledge about acute coronary syndrome outcomes. Participants will have blood and fecal samples collected for detailed analysis. Clinical information such as diagnosis, medical history, lab test results, treatment methods, prognosis, and follow-up data will also be recorded. The study focuses on monitoring the progression and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome over time through regular data collection. During the study, participants will be closely followed up to document any major cardiovascular events over a two-year period and beyond. Researchers will assess various health measures and risk factors to better understand how acute coronary syndrome develops and progresses. The total duration of participation includes initial enrollment and ongoing observation to capture long-term outcomes.

This research aims to compare the outcomes of different percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) strategies in elderly patients with complex, severely calcified coronary artery lesions. The study focuses on patients aged 60 years and older who have significant coronary heart disease involving complex calcified lesions. Researchers want to understand how various PCI methods affect the prognosis, especially the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events within one year. Participants are grouped based on the PCI strategy used to treat their coronary lesions. One group receives drug-eluting stents (DES) only, another group receives a combination of DES and drug-coated balloons (DCB), and a third group is treated with DCB alone. All lesions treated involve complex, severe calcification as assessed by imaging techniques. The study observes these treatment approaches as they are applied without altering clinical care. During the study, participants will be monitored for major adverse cardiovascular events over a 12-month period. Researchers will track outcomes such as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, stroke, and specific cardiac events labeled BRCA 2,3-5. Data collection includes clinical assessments and follow-ups to evaluate the one-year prognosis after the PCI procedures. The total duration of participation corresponds with this year-long follow-up.

Researchers are evaluating the potential benefits of implanting an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in patients with coronary artery disease who have survived cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation or sustained ventricular tachycardia. These patients have undergone complete revascularization and have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) above 35%. The study aims to assess whether ICD implantation can improve survival outcomes compared to standard medical therapy. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group receives an ICD implanted either during admission or within 4 weeks after discharge from the initial cardiac event, while the other group receives guideline-directed medical therapy without ICD implantation. The study compares these approaches to understand the effect of ICDs on survival in this patient population. During the study, participants will be monitored for outcomes including all-cause mortality over a five-year period, as well as mortality related to cardiovascular causes at one year. Researchers will collect data on sudden cardiovascular death and cardiovascular death within the first year. The trial includes follow-up assessments to track these outcomes and the overall health of participants throughout the study duration.

This research aims to observe patients who participated in the EXCELLENT clinical trial for acute myocardial infarction. It focuses on comparing long-term clinical outcomes between those who received standard care and those treated with ProtheraCytes. The study is designed to follow these patients for up to 10 years to gather valuable safety and efficacy data. Participants include those from both the standard of care group and the ProtheraCytes treatment group who have completed their 6-month follow-up in the original EXCELLENT trial. This observational study involves collecting data without additional interventions or treatments. The study duration spans an average of 10 years from the initial randomization in the EXCELLENT trial. During the study, researchers will monitor participants regularly to assess safety and treatment outcomes over the long term. Data collection includes clinical evaluations and tracking of any health changes. The study does not involve new treatments but focuses on observing and comparing patient progress. Participants will continue their usual care outside the study, and their safety will be monitored throughout.

Researchers are evaluating a new cardiac rehabilitation therapy for patients with ischemic heart disease, including coronary heart disease and heart failure. This prospective, randomized, controlled study aims to compare the effectiveness and home rehabilitation compliance of the new therapy against traditional cardiac rehabilitation. The study follows a PICOST design and focuses on improving myocardial perfusion and other cardiovascular health measures. Participants receive either conventional drug therapy combined with the new cardiac rehabilitation treatment, which includes early respiratory rehabilitation, phase I rehabilitation, exercise therapy, external counterpulsation, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or conventional drug therapy combined with traditional cardiac rehabilitation based on national and international guidelines. Treatment duration varies between 1 week and 3 months depending on patient needs. During the study, participants will undergo assessments such as D_SPECT imaging to measure changes in myocardial infarct area over 6 months. Additional evaluations include blood biochemical tests, myocardial necrosis markers, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and monitoring of major adverse cardiovascular events. Researchers will also track patient and family adherence to rehabilitation treatments to evaluate long-term outcomes and safety.

Researchers are evaluating the ability of the ABCD-GENE score, a precision medicine tool combining clinical and genetic factors, to identify stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who are at risk of peri-PCI myocardial infarction or myocardial injury. These complications occur in up to 30% of patients despite newer stents and are linked to worse outcomes. The study aims to prospectively validate this score in patients treated with standard clopidogrel therapy. This study is a prospective cohort involving about 500 stable CAD patients receiving elective PCI and standard care clopidogrel. Participants are divided into two groups based on their ABCD-GENE score, which includes age, body mass index, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and a genetic marker (CYP2C19 loss of function). Platelet reactivity and high platelet reactivity status are assessed after PCI using the VerifyNow P2Y12 test. Additionally, high sensitivity troponin levels are measured post-PCI to detect myocardial infarction or injury. Participants will undergo blood tests after PCI to measure platelet reactivity and troponin levels to determine myocardial infarction or injury within 24 hours. The study closely monitors these outcomes to validate the predictive accuracy of the ABCD-GENE score. The research may help tailor antiplatelet treatment strategies for patients at increased risk. The trial is expected to continue through August 2027.