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 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.

Researchers are studying the long-term effects of reducing household air pollution HAP from biomass fuel use on heart, lung, and immune health among women and children in semi-rural Bangladesh. The study evaluates whether a mobile phone-based behavioral change communication mHealth BCC intervention can increase the adoption and exclusive use of cleaner cooking fuel, Liquid Petroleum Gas LPG. This research also investigates how lowering pollution exposure might influence immune responses to vaccines and subclinical cardiovascular and pulmonary changes. The study is a large household-level randomized controlled trial comparing two groups one receiving the mHealth BCC intervention encouraging exclusive LPG use and a control group receiving no such intervention. Researchers will monitor personal and area levels of air pollutants like PM2.5 and black carbon before and after intervention, alongside detailed assessments including spirometry, chest X-rays, high-resolution CT scans, blood pressure, EKG, metabolic markers such as HbA1c and lipid profiles, and immune cell function. The intervention messages are delivered via mobile phone with frequency tailored to participant responses. Participants will be followed over two years with repeated measurements to assess pollutant exposure and health effects. Evaluations include lung function tests, imaging, cardiovascular markers, metabolic blood tests, and immune function assays. The study aims to provide insights into the health benefits of sustained LPG use and improved air quality. Total participation spans pre-intervention assessments through two years of follow-up, with ongoing monitoring of pollution exposure and health outcomes.

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 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.

Researchers are evaluating whether taking tirzepatide before bariatric surgery can improve health outcomes for people with obesity and related medical conditions. This study aims to see if tirzepatide reduces inflammation in tissues and blood before surgery and how these changes relate to weight loss, metabolic improvements, and fewer complications after surgery. The trial is a Phase 4 interventional study comparing patients who take tirzepatide with those who do not before their planned surgery. Participants who are assigned to the tirzepatide group will self-inject 2.5 mg of tirzepatide once weekly for three months before surgery, following dose escalation instructions if needed. Both groups will receive education on dietary and lifestyle changes. During the three months before surgery, participants will visit the endocrine clinic monthly for drug prescription and side effect monitoring. The study continues through the surgery and post-surgery follow-up periods. Throughout the study, participants will keep a diary of drug use and side effects, and researchers will measure inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, leptin, adiponectin, and RAAS at baseline, three months after drug use, and several times after surgery. Weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and surgical complications will also be tracked up to one year after surgery. Participant involvement includes regular clinic visits, lab tests, and monitoring to assess the impact of tirzepatide on surgical outcomes and inflammation.