Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

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 evaluating the radiopharmaceutical 18F-meta-fluorobenzylguanidine 18F-mFBG as a new imaging agent to measure myocardial sympathetic innervation in stable patients with heart failure due to ischemic cardiomyopathy. This Phase 2 study focuses on adults who have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% or less and have implantable cardioverter-defibrillators ICDs. The study aims to compare 18F-mFBG uptake with historical imaging agents and assess differences in sympathetic innervation related to past ICD activations. Participants will receive two PET radiopharmaceuticals intravenously 18F-mFBG to assess sympathetic innervation and Rubidium-82 to assess myocardial blood flow. The study groups consist of patients who have experienced ICD activation within the past 12 months and those who have not. Both imaging agents will be used to examine cardiac regions for abnormalities and to quantify myocardial uptake patterns during the study. During the trial, participants will undergo PET imaging and safety monitoring for 24 hours after the administration of these agents. Researchers will collect imaging data, evaluate heart function, and monitor for any adverse or serious adverse events. The study will assess how well 18F-mFBG works compared to previous imaging methods and gather safety information over the course of participation.

Researchers are studying patients with elevated Lipoproteina levels above 30 mgdL 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 PETMR 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 SPECTCT 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 PETMR scan, and a combined 18F-FDG PETMR 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.

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.

Researchers are evaluating a family-centred approach to prevent cardiovascular diseases CVD among adolescents and their families in Uganda. This 5-year study focuses on reducing risk factors like unhealthy diet and physical inactivity that contribute to CVD and other non-communicable diseases NCDs. The study adapts a proven intervention from Asia to the Ugandan context, aiming to support healthier lifestyle behaviors during the critical adolescence period when habits form that affect adult health. The study includes two groups one receiving the FaCe-D intervention, which involves home visits by Village Health Teams delivering diet, physical activity, and health messaging and a control group receiving standard care with usual health promotion activities. The study is divided into three phases adapting the intervention, implementing it, and evaluating its effectiveness and feasibility in 32 villages. Participants will be involved for at least 12 months, during which researchers will assess changes in cardiovascular health and sleep quality. Evaluations include monitoring behavior changes, health outcomes, and implementation costs. The study also considers adoption and feasibility to understand how well the intervention works in real community settings.

Researchers are conducting a multi-center clinical study to assess artificial intelligence AI algorithms for measuring heart function and size using echocardiography. The study aims to compare AI measurements with those of physicians at different experience levels, evaluate the accuracy and stability of AI, and explore its use in complex heart conditions like cardiomyopathy, valve disease, and coronary heart disease. The goal is to improve diagnostic consistency and clinical workflows across medical centers. The study involves measuring cardiac chamber size and function in 1600 participants using AI, senior physicians, and intermediate physicians. All measurements are made with Mindray ultrasonic machines. AI and intermediate physician results are completed within one day after data collection, while senior physician results are completed within one month. The study will establish a standardized reference system for AI-assisted echocardiographic measurements and evaluate AIs performance in special cases. Participants will undergo echocardiographic scans with measurements of left and right ventricular size and function, Doppler ultrasound indicators, and valve annulus displacements. Researchers will analyze data to compare AI and physician measurements, assess measurement deviations, and evaluate AIs efficiency in reducing analysis time. The study will run until July 2026, with ongoing data collection and analysis across multiple centers, aiming to promote wider clinical application of AI technology for cardiovascular disease diagnosis.