Cardiovascular Disease

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 tools 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.

Smoking negatively affects many organs and gradually worsens health, especially lung function. It causes mild airway obstruction and slows lung growth, impacting breathing and overall quality of life. This study evaluates balloon-blowing exercises combined with abdominal and lumbar core muscle activation positions to see if they can improve lung function and quality of life in smokers. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one will perform balloon-blowing exercises with abdominal and lumbar core muscle activation three times a week for four weeks, supervised by a physical therapist. The other group will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises with the same frequency and duration. Both interventions last four weeks, with measurements taken before and after. Participants will undergo evaluations of lung function including forced vital capacity FVC, forced expiratory volume in one second FEV1, peak expiratory flow PEF, dyspnea levels, oxygen saturation, and quality of life assessments. These measures will be collected at the start and end of the four-week period to monitor changes and effects of the exercises on respiratory health.

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 evaluating two strategies for optimizing stent implantation during bifurcation stenting of the left main coronary artery LM in patients with coronary artery disease. This prospective, randomized, controlled trial compares an intravascular ultrasound IVUS-guided approach versus an IVUS-trained eye approach based on angiographic assessment and operator experience. The study aims to determine whether an angiography-based method performed by experienced physicians is non-inferior to the IVUS-guided technique regarding stent placement quality and planimetric characteristics immediately after the procedure. All patients receive the same type of coronary stent Calypso, R-Vascular, Russia to reduce variability. The IVUS-guided group undergoes baseline IVUS assessment to select and optimize stent placement with mandatory steps like kissing balloon dilation and proximal optimization. The angiography-guided group relies on visual angiographic evaluation for stent and balloon selection, with IVUS used only after the procedure to assess stent results. Both groups follow the same optimization steps and procedural techniques. Participants are monitored immediately after the procedure with IVUS imaging to measure stent expansion and quality. Follow-up assessments occur up to one year post-procedure to evaluate device-oriented composite endpoints. The study includes detailed procedural steps, imaging, and clinical outcome tracking to compare the two approaches. Total participation lasts through the intervention and one year of follow-up to assess safety and effectiveness outcomes.

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 drinks impact on cardiovascular health markers over the 12-week period.

Researchers are evaluating the PILI Aina project to improve the management of common diet-related cardiometabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias, and obesity among Native Hawaiian adults. This project aims to reduce risk factors for new diet-related illnesses by promoting traditional Native Hawaiian diets and improving social cohesion. The study focuses on adapting and testing an evidence-based multilevel intervention called PILI Aina to optimize its effectiveness and sustainability. The study involves a community-level component called Ai Pono, which includes quarterly hands-on cooking demonstrations and cultural lessons held over five years, for a total of 36 events. Each 2-hour event features cooking demonstrations, tastings, and education about the cultural importance of traditional foods like sweet potato, breadfruit, and kalo. These lessons aim to improve family and community eating environments and social cohesion. Attendance is limited to 30 people per event, with priority given to new participants after the first lesson. Participants will be surveyed at each event to assess their reactions, fruit and vegetable intake, confidence in healthy eating, and feelings of community support. Additionally, random samples of households in participating homesteads will be surveyed annually to measure family environment, nutrition environment, social cohesion, diet self-efficacy, food literacy, and social support. These assessments will occur at baseline and yearly for four years, helping researchers evaluate the impact and sustainability of the intervention over time.

This study evaluates whether a mobile phone-based mHealth Behavioural Change Communication BCC educational intervention can improve the adoption and exclusive use of Liquid Petroleum Gas LPG for cooking among households in semi-rural Bangladesh. Household air pollutants HAP from biomass fuels such as wood, agricultural residue, and cow dung expose almost 3 billion people worldwide, including 89% of people in Bangladesh. In the earlier GEOHealth study, 24 months of LPG use reduced personal PM2.5 exposure by about 58.2% and produced changes in innate immune and inflammatory responses, while chronic cardio-pulmonary markers remained relatively stable. More than 70% of households continued using LPG after the earlier study, although not exclusively. The investigators will conduct a large household-level randomized controlled trial using an mHealth-based educational intervention and will continue following the cohort. The study will examine the long-term effects of HAP reduction on subclinical measures of cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction, innate and inflammatory immune function, and antibody response to vaccines. Personal 24-hour and area-wise 5-day exposure to PM2.5 and black carbon will be repeatedly assessed before and after the intervention. Lung function and lung pathology will be assessed using spirometry, Chest X-ray, and high-resolution computed tomography of the chest. Cardiovascular measures will include blood pressure and EKG, while metabolic dysfunction will be assessed using HbA1c and fasting lipid profile. Immune function will be evaluated through immune cell phenotyping, functional cytotoxic killer cells, and oxidative stress of lymphocytes.

The 100-Year Human Aging Study is a long-term observational research project enrolling adult participants to undergo detailed multi-system health screenings and follow them throughout their lives until death. The study aims to identify which health measurements taken at enrollment and repeatedly over time can predict overall mortality, cause-specific death, serious diseases, and functional disability. It addresses the current lack of validated longevity measures by generating data on how various physiological and cognitive functions relate to aging outcomes. Participants undergo a comprehensive clinical screening that includes tests of cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, mobility, neurocognitive performance, sensory functions, and metabolic health. Structural imaging assessments like DEXA scans, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, retinal photography, and vascular ultrasound are performed. Laboratory tests and detailed medical, social, and environmental histories are also collected. The study allows participation from single tests up to a full two-visit screening, with repeat testing encouraged to track health changes over time. Throughout the study, participants receive individualized reports with investigational estimates of biological age and predicted mortality risks, which are being evaluated against actual health outcomes. Researchers collect data continuously on mortality, disease occurrence, disability, and health behavior changes. The study involves ongoing follow-up with periodic assessments and aims to preserve all collected data for future analyses, with participant involvement potentially spanning their entire lifespan.

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 PETMR 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 PETMR 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 PETMR 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.