Atherosclerosis

Researchers are evaluating whether the Breathlessness diagnostics in a Box (BiaB) tool can shorten the time to diagnosis for patients experiencing breathlessness compared to usual care. This prospective, interventional study uses a stepped-wedge cluster design in general practice settings across the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal. The main goal is to see if BiaB speeds up diagnosis, with secondary aims to identify more cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and to assess the tool's usability and efficiency. The study involves 45 general practice sites that start with a usual care period and sequentially transition to using the BiaB tool. Patients receive care as part of their regular visits, either through standard diagnostic procedures or with support from BiaB. No additional treatments are mandated by the study. Each site participates for 40 weeks, and data are gathered from routine clinical visits, electronic medical records, and questionnaires completed by patients and healthcare professionals. Participants attend a single study visit and may complete up to four quarterly questionnaires over a follow-up period lasting up to one year. Researchers measure the time from first presentation of breathlessness to diagnosis, the number of new COPD and CVD diagnoses, and the usability of the BiaB tool. Data are collected continuously during the usual care and intervention phases, allowing comparison of outcomes between these periods.

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 working to create risk prediction models that help identify patients with a high risk of developing serious cardiovascular problems. The study focuses on individuals with structural, rhythm-related, or inflammatory cardiovascular diseases and aims to improve early detection of those at risk. This observational study is sponsored by the Medical University Innsbruck and includes adults 18 years and older. Participants in this study have their clinical data and risk factors recorded to better understand their cardiovascular condition. There are no specific treatments or interventions given as part of the study since it is observational. The study will follow patients for up to four years to observe outcomes related to cardiovascular events and hospitalizations. During the study, researchers will monitor events such as cardiovascular mortality, stroke, heart attacks, hospital stays due to heart failure, and other severe heart-related conditions. Participants will be assessed regularly through clinical data collection without additional procedures or treatments. The study aims to gather detailed information over time to improve risk assessment and patient care for cardiovascular diseases.

Noncommunicable diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease cause more deaths worldwide than any other conditions, with a growing impact especially in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally, and its prevalence is rising despite awareness efforts. Diet and nutrition are important factors influencing these diseases, and this research explores the role of a traditional Chinese medicine nutritional drink in supporting cardiovascular health. The study evaluates the effects of the "Perfect Heartio" drink, a nutritional supplement made from diluted herbal extracts traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Participants will consume 15 grams of the drink twice daily for 12 weeks while their compliance is monitored. This intervention is being studied to assess its potential in improving heart and blood vessel function by measuring various cardiovascular health indicators. Participants will be assessed at the start and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 for lipid profiles, heart inflammation, heart injury, and heart remodeling. Quality of life and self-perceived health status will also be evaluated over these timepoints. The study includes healthy adults aged 18 and above who agree to follow the intervention plan and attend follow-up visits. Monitoring throughout the study will help researchers understand the drink's impact on cardiovascular health markers over the 12-week period.

Researchers are conducting the 100-Year Human Aging Study, an observational trial designed to follow participants over their lifespans to investigate which health measurements can predict mortality, serious diseases, and functional disability. The study aims to validate many longevity measures that currently lack prospective evidence by tracking physiological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that change with aging. This research will generate important data to improve understanding of aging and longevity medicine. Participants undergo comprehensive multi-system clinical screenings including tests like cardiopulmonary exercise testing, body composition assessment by DEXA, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, neurocognitive testing, sensory assessments, metabolic testing, and detailed medical and social histories. The study allows for different levels of participation, from single tests to full two-visit screening batteries, and encourages repeat testing to capture health changes over time. During the study, participants receive individualized reports including investigational estimates of biological age and predicted cause of death. Researchers collect data on mortality, serious health events, chronic diseases, functional ability, and lifestyle changes through periodic follow-up over many years, potentially up to 100 years. This extensive data collection helps evaluate how well these measurements predict aging outcomes. All data are stored in raw form for future analysis and participants are supported with ongoing contact and opportunities for repeat assessments.

Carotid artery plaque rupture is a leading cause of ischemic stroke, and early, accurate assessment of plaque vulnerability can help prevent these strokes. Researchers are studying the use of 18F FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/MR imaging to investigate features of vulnerable carotid plaques, such as active fibrosis and inflammation, which may better identify unstable plaques compared to standard MRI alone. This observational study aims to clarify imaging characteristics linked to plaque instability in patients with carotid artery plaques. Participants will undergo 18F FDG and 68Ga-FAPI PET/MR scans to assess metabolic and structural plaque features. Treatments such as medication, carotid stenting, or carotid endarterectomy will follow clinical guidelines but are not assigned by the study. The study focuses on evaluating plaque vulnerability through advanced imaging rather than testing specific treatments. During the study, participants will be monitored for stroke and cerebral hemorrhage at 1, 6, and 12 months after their PET/MR scan. Researchers will also assess the openness of the carotid artery (lumen patency rate) and analyze imaging results at these same time points. This approach aims to track plaque changes and clinical outcomes over one year to better understand plaque behavior and risk.

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.

Atherosclerotic plaques, which are fatty build-ups in arteries, can develop silently and may rupture, leading to serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes. Despite treatments and controlling risks such as diabetes and high blood pressure, some people still develop dangerous forms of the disease. Researchers have found that plaques with thin caps, soft centers, or tiny new blood vessels are more likely to rupture, so new imaging methods are being developed to detect these vulnerable plaques earlier. This study evaluates a new 3D ultrasound probe and machine that can capture many more images than standard probes to visualize the entire plaque and its tiny blood vessels more accurately. Patients will receive an infusion of a microbubble contrast agent called SonoVue to enhance imaging. Initial 2D ultrasound images will confirm plaque presence, followed by 3D imaging using a specialized row-column array probe manipulated by a clinician. The 3D scan takes about 2 to 5 minutes and captures multiple images to assess plaque neovascularization. Participants will undergo ultrasound scans of their carotid arteries after receiving the contrast agent via an infusion. Researchers will analyze these images offline to detect new blood vessels within plaques. The main measurement is the detection of carotid plaque neovascularization at baseline. The study begins with consenting patients who have carotid plaques confirmed by previous CEUS scans. Participation involves imaging procedures and consent, with the study lasting as long as these assessments are completed.

Researchers are evaluating the use of [18F]AlF-NOTA-octreotide PET/MRI to study inflammation in carotid artery plaques in patients who recently had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the carotid artery area. This study aims to see if the tracer uptake in affected and unaffected carotid arteries can predict future cerebrovascular events such as recurrent TIA, stroke, or other vascular problems. The trial is conducted as a Phase 2 study at University Hospitals Leuven and focuses on patients with at least 30% stenosis in the carotid artery. Participants receive a single intravenous injection of the radioactive tracer [18F]AlF-OC, dosed at 4 MBq/kg, followed by a saline flush. The study has two parts: in the first, five patients undergo PET/MRI scans at 60, 120, and 180 minutes after injection to refine the imaging protocol. In the second part, nineteen patients receive PET/MRI at the optimal time point identified earlier. Both the symptomatic (culprit) and non-symptomatic carotid arteries are scanned. Participants will have a screening and baseline assessment, followed by the PET/MRI imaging visit. They will be contacted by telephone for follow-up interviews at 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years after their initial stroke or TIA. Researchers will measure the standardized uptake values (SUV) of the tracer in the carotid arteries as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include the prediction of recurrent cerebrovascular events, major cardiovascular events, and overall mortality during the three-year follow-up period.

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.