Clinical Research Directory

Heart Institute BioRepository (HIBR) for Pediatric Heart Disease

The purpose of this protocol is to redefine the Heart Institute BioRepository (HIBR) to facilitate Investigator-initiated and programmatic basic, translational, clinical and outcomes research. For the purposes of this protocol, "tissue" will refer to any gross specimen obtained from a patient, including but not limited to blood, cardiovascular tissue, urine, saliva, and other tissues and bodily fluids, including explanted non-human prosthetics or grafts. In this context, "tissue" is synonymous with "sample" or "specimen." A "BioRepository" functions to systematically collect, maintain and govern tissue specimens.

VDyne Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement Study to Evaluate Safety and Clinical Efficacy in Patients With Symptomatic Severe Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation (TRIVITA Pivotal Trial)

Pivotal trial to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of the VDyne System for the treatment of symptomatic severe or greater tricuspid regurgitation.

European Study of the BrioVAD Heart Pump for Advanced Heart Failure

This clinical investigation evaluates the safety and clinical performance of the BrioVAD Left Ventricular Assist System in patients with advanced, refractory left ventricular heart failure who require mechanical circulatory support.

The Effects of a 6-week Pre-operative Administration of a Microbiome Modulator "WellBiome" Versus Placebo on Cardiac Surgical Outcomes and NHS Cost Savings.

More than 7.4 million people in the UK are currently waiting for surgery. Behind that number are real people-patients preparing mentally and physically for procedures ranging from joint replacements to major heart and abdominal operations. This research forms part of a broader strategy known as prehabilitation - preparing the body before surgery to improve outcomes afterward. For patients waiting for surgery, it represents a shift from passive waiting to active preparation. Heart surgery for bypass or valve replacements results in inevitable yet controlled trauma. It increases inflammation, stress hormones and immune system demand. The body then has to repair itself - quickly and efficiently. And here's the surprising part. Inside your gut live trillions of bacteria - called your gut microbiome. These bacteria help regulate inflammation, strengthen your immune system and protect against infection. This randomised clinical trial is investigating a fascinating question: Can improving your gut microbiome through consumption of fibre before surgery help you recover faster, reduce time in ICU, shorten hospital stays, and lower complication rates? The placebo controlled trial will randomise 80 patients following eligibiilty checks to either 5g of prebiotic fibre/300mg of magnesium (WellBiome) OR 5g of maltodextrin for a period of 6-8 weeks prior to surgery. Patient will provide blood, urine and faecal samples at baseline and upon admission for surgery, and two further blood samples at day 3 and 6 post operatively. Following surgery, patient outcomes will be assessed and compared between the experimental group (prebiotic fibre/magnesium) and placebo group (maltodextrin). The investigators are focussing on the time spent in the intensive care unit, complications and overall hospital stay. By documenting and quantifying these the investigators can calculate the costs and any savings between the groups.

Preventing Ischemic Heart Disease With mHealth (Mobile Health), Electronic Decision Support and Community Health Workers

This is a cluster-randomized clinical trial (cRCT) designed to assess the effectiveness of a multicomponent strategy linking key aspects of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) care continuum across three provinces in Argentina using using five primary components: a data management system linking a digital mHealth (mobile health) screening tool used by community health workers (CHWs), an electronic appointment scheduler which is integrated with the clinic electronic appointment system, point of care (POCT) testing for lipids, a clinical decision support system for medication initiation, and a text message (SMS) reminder system to improve treatment adherence and life-style changes.

Assessment and Prediction of Cardiovascular Health and Disease Risk Using Wearable Biometrics.

This prospective, observational cohort study will evaluate the associations between wearable-derived biometrics and cardiovascular health, quantified by the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 framework, as well as related cardiovascular risk factors. The study aims to determine whether wearable biometrics can support the assessment of cardiovascular health and cardiovascular disease risk, both when used in isolation and in combination with point-of-care assessments.

Identifying Risk Factors and Predicting Future Health Outcomes for Korean Patients With Heart and Blood Vessel Diseases: A Long-term Follow-up Study

This study aims to establish a comprehensive, long-term clinical registry infrastructure for heart and brain vascular diseases (cardiovascular diseases and stroke) at Samsung Medical Center. In South Korea, these diseases are a leading cause of death, with a rapidly increasing burden due to an aging population and changing lifestyles. Despite this, there is a lack of large-scale, systematic data specifically focused on the long-term clinical course and unique characteristics of Korean patients. The central hypothesis of this study is that the establishment of a standardized registry infrastructure-integrating both retrospective (historical) and prospective (future) data collection-will provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the natural history and risk factors of heart and brain vascular diseases in the Korean population than currently available fragmented data. By combining existing medical records with ongoing patient follow-up, this infrastructure will serve as a critical scientific platform for developing personalized prevention and precision medicine strategies. By building this organized data collection system, the study will: Construct a robust infrastructure to collect uniform, high-quality clinical data, encompassing both past medical history (retrospective) and future clinical progress (prospective) from a large population of Korean patients. Monitor long-term health outcomes and the progression of diseases by tracking patients over many years. Analyze the interaction between various risk factors and patient outcomes to identify population-specific patterns. Create a scalable platform that can integrate advanced technologies, such as multi-omics and digital health tools, for future research. Ultimately, this integrated registry infrastructure is expected to provide the essential scientific evidence needed to optimize clinical guidelines and improve the long-term quality of life for patients with heart and brain vascular diseases in Korea.

Effects of Sweetener Consumption on Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Prediabetic Subjects

The aim of this prospective interventional study is to investigate the metabolic effects of consuming artificial and natural sweeteners in persons with prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition characterized by blood sugar levels that are elevated above normal but not yet meeting the criteria for type 2 diabetes. This condition markedly increases the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, which in turn can lead to complications including cardiovascular diseases. Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin and sucralose, as well as natural sugar substitutes like erythritol, are increasingly used as alternatives to sugar and are recommended for individuals at cardiometabolic risk - including overweight individuals, patients with prediabetes, or diabetics - to help reduce caloric intake. Recent literature has reported possible negative associations between artificial sweeteners and blood sugar regulation in healthy subjects (1). Additionally, effects on various blood cells have been observed. For example, erythritol has been shown to alter platelet function leading to increased reactivity in healthy study participants following consumption (2). However, the impact of alternative sweeteners on metabolic processes and their effects on blood coagulation in patients with prediabetes-a population at increased risk-has not been systematically studied. In this planned interventional study, 80 patients meeting laboratory criteria for prediabetes will be randomly assigned to one of four groups, each receiving a different intervention for two weeks: saccharin, sucralose, erythritol, or a control group receiving water. The doses reflect the acceptable daily intake or known doses that are considered safe. After enrollment, participants will visit the study center 2 times: before starting the intervention and after completing the intervention. During these visits, biological samples such as blood, urine, and stool will be collected to study metabolism, gut bacteria, immune and blood cell function. Tests will include an oral glucose tolerance test, coagulation tests, and additional blood analyses. Additionally, participants will wear a glucose monitor to track blood sugar fluctuations during the intervention. The investigators hypothesize that consumption of alternative sweeteners negatively affects blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity in patients with prediabetes. Furthermore, this study will explore how the candidate sweeteners influence the gut microbiome, blood cells and other metabolic factors in this population.

Palmitic Acid and Human Microvascular Function

The goal of this study is to learn how a supplement Quercetin can affect microvascular function. Participants will: * give two blood draws of 5 mL each * have a camera placed under the tongue to take pictures of blood vessels * have 2 laser Doppler microdialysis catheters placed on the forearm to monitor blood vessels before and after local drug infusion Researchers will compare blood vessel function of those who take estrogen supplements to those who do not.

Study Protocol: 10-Year Follow-Up of Patients Screened for Cardiovascular Risk by the "All With Heart" Association - Development of a Morocco-Specific Risk Score

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, and their prevalence is steadily increasing in Morocco. Between 2010 and 2012, the "All with heart" Association conducted a large-scale cardiovascular screening campaign in the Greater Casablanca region, involving more than 10,000 adults aged over 40 years. This 10-year follow-up study aims to evaluate long-term cardiovascular outcomes and to develop a Morocco-specific cardiovascular risk score. Follow-up data will be collected through phone calls, WhatsApp, or SMS with participants or their families to document cardiovascular deaths, myocardial infarctions, and strokes. Statistical analyses, including survival analysis and multivariate logistic regression, will be used to identify significant risk factors and to construct a predictive risk model tailored to the Moroccan population. The study received a favorable opinion from the Rabat Ethics Committee. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants or their families prior to data collection. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of cardiovascular risk evolution in Morocco and to provide a validated, population-specific risk score to support prevention and patient management strategies.

Ambient Air and Noise Effect on Cardiovascular Health Risk and Lifestyle Intervention to Attenuate It (METSGREEN)

This study, combining both an observational study and an interventional clinical trial, aims to assess how exposure to ultrafine particulate matter (PM0.1) and noise pollution affects the risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders in 45-64-year-old residents of Kaunas City, and whether lifestyle interventions-specifically physical activity in green spaces and the Mediterranean diet-can help reduce these risks. In the observational part, approximately 1,000 randomly selected 45-64 years men and women living in private households will complete an anonymous online health and lifestyle questionnaire. The clinical interventional trial will include 180 participants, who agreed to participate in the clinical study and, who meet specific health criteria. The main questions the study seeks to answer are: whether increased exposure to PM0.1 and noise is linked to higher cardiovascular and metabolic risk; and whether short-term healthy lifestyle changes can improve biological markers associated with these conditions. Participants in the clinical trial will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) control group continuing usual habits, (2) physical activity group at least 30-minute daily walks in green spaces, or (3) group adherence to a Mediterranean diet. They will have two visits to the clinic for health surveys: * Wear a wristband sensor for 7 days to monitor physical activity, heart rate, and sleep quality * Visit a clinic on Day 1 and Day 8 for measurements (blood pressure, waist circumference, body composition) and give blood samples for biomarker analysis. This research will provide new evidence on environmental health risks and practical recommendations for reducing the burden of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Validating Integrative Multi-omics Approaches in Metabolic Syndrome-related Diseases

This study aims to validate integrative multi-omics approaches for understanding complications related to metabolic syndrome. By combining genetic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and microbiome data from participants with and without metabolic syndrome, the research seeks to determine which biological factors predict disease progression and how these insights can inform precision prevention and treatment strategies for metabolic disorders.

Data Donation Model for Inclusive Cardiovascular Prevention Using the TRAIN Health Platform

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the Netherlands and worldwide. While prevention strategies have improved, many population groups, including women, individuals with a migration background, and people with lower socioeconomic status, remain underrepresented in cardiovascular research and prevention programs. As a result, current risk prediction models and lifestyle recommendations are based largely on homogeneous datasets that do not reflect real-world diversity. This structural imbalance limits the generalisability of evidence and contributes to persistent health disparities. The Data Donation Model (DDM) aims to address this gap by introducing a citizen-led, transparent, and participatory approach to data sharing for cardiovascular prevention and health research. In this model, individuals voluntarily contribute their lifestyle, behavioural, and wearable/app data for research while maintaining full control over consent and use. The DDM incorporates dynamic electronic consent, granular sharing options, and transparency dashboards that allow participants to view how their data contribute to ongoing research projects. This participatory design strengthens trust, autonomy, and inclusiveness in data governance. This study evaluates the feasibility, inclusiveness, and acceptability of implementing the DDM at scale within the general population. It forms the pilot phase of a broader national data donation infrastructure coordinated by Amsterdam UMC in collaboration with the TRAIN Health Awareness Platform (technical partner) and community organisations. Approximately 450 participants will take part in this first phase, with future expansion planned up to 10,000 citizens. Participants can connect any wearable device or health app (such as a smart ring, smartwatch, or fitness tracker) to the TRAIN platform and complete short digital questionnaires on lifestyle, sleep, stress, and wellbeing. All participants can donate data for up to 5 years, with the freedom to stop or modify consent at any time. An optional 12-week TRAIN Heart Journey provides guided feedback on physical activity, stress, and recovery patterns, but participation in this module is not required for data donation. The main outcomes are (1) feasibility and acceptability of the DDM (recruitment, retention, adherence, and user satisfaction), (2) inclusiveness of participation across demographic groups, and (3) trust and engagement with science and data governance. Secondary outcomes include behavioural and physiological changes (activity, sleep, stress) and self-efficacy. Exploratory analyses will evaluate long-term engagement and, for consenting participants, linkage with official mortality data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The findings will inform future national strategies for equitable, citizen-driven cardiovascular prevention and contribute to developing inclusive guidelines based on real-world data from diverse populations.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Associated Cardiovascular Disease Detection Using Artificial Intelligence

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality and excessive healthcare expenditures. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) represents an insidious and progressive subset of CVD affecting an estimated 1% of the general population, increasing to up to 10% in the population over the age of 65. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have shown promise in transforming PH diagnosis by enabling the analysis of complex physiological data. Specifically, AI algorithms applied to electrocardiography (ECG) and phonocardiography (PCG) waveforms captured through novel medical devices, such as smart stethoscopes, have demonstrated potential in detecting PH and other cardiovascular conditions with high sensitivity and specificity. Despite the promising capabilities of AI algorithms, a significant barrier to their clinical implementation is the lack of high-quality, prospectively collected datasets for validation. Many existing AI algorithms have been trained on retrospective data, which may not capture the variability and complexity of real-world clinical scenarios. This limitation raises concerns about the generalisability and reliability of AI predictions across diverse patient populations. Therefore, there is a critical need for prospective validation studies to assess the performance of AI algorithms in realworld settings, ensuring their accuracy and applicability before widespread clinical deployment. Imperial College London's Health Impact Lab (Hi Lab) and collaborators continue to develop artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that use cardiac waveforms to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD), including pulmonary hypertension (PH). The performance of these algorithms requires validation on prospectively collected patient data (waveforms) - where the ground truth for the algorithms under investigation is recorded during routine echocardiography as part of clinical care. This study aims to prospectively collect a large dataset of cardiovascular ECG and PCG data, along with corresponding gold-standard echocardiography findings. This dataset will be used to validate AI algorithms for important CVD, such as pulmonary hypertension enhancing their reliability and clinical applicability.

The HELlenic Thoracic Society Initiative for CΟPD and CVD

COPD is one of the most common respiratory diseases in Greece, and maybe more than half a million Greek citizens suffer both from COPD and CVD, however their characteristics and management remain unknown. HELICOPD is a national, multicenter, prospective, non-interventional study designed to contribute to better understanding and depicting the demographic and clinical characteristics of this population, the COPD- and CVD-related adverse events in a two-years period, their quality of life and the healthcare resources use. The study is initiated and coordinated by the Hellenic Thoracic Society.

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome in Shanghai Zicitizens

The main purpose of this study is to conduct follow-up assessments and update the cardiorenal outcomes among the STONE cohort that was established during 2016-2017. The secondary aim is to compare metabolic risk factors, metabolic disturbances, and clinically relevant metabolic outcomes between the follow-up period and the baseline assessment. The exploratory goal is to examine the relationships between changes in risk factors and clinical outcomes in the participants. The study is planned to begin in May 2025 and will finalize the data collection for the entire population by June 2026. During this time, participants will be categorized based on CKM staging. The follow-up phase will continue until 2035.

Adapting a Stress Management Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Women living with HIV have 2-4x higher risk for cardiovascular disease compared to women without HIV, with women living with HIV in the Southern US being particularly at risk. While an increased prevalence of traditional risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and obesity) partially explain this risk, evidence suggests that increased exposure to structural and social stressors (e.g., poverty, discrimination, and stigma) among women living with HIV in the South negatively contribute to cardiovascular disease disparities through their impact on stress. The Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program is an effective, evidence-based intervention proven to improve resiliency to environmental stressors and reduce the physiologic responses to stress which contribute to cardiovascular disease. While the SMART program has demonstrated efficacy in a wide range of populations and settings, it has not been designed for or tested among women living with HIV in the South, where unique cultural and faith-based context may diminish the uptake and value of the intervention to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk. The purpose of this study is to adapt the evidence-based SMART program in consideration of the needs and contexts of women living with HIV in the Southern US and pilot the adapted intervention to establish the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of the adapted intervention to reduce stress and mitigate cardiovascular disease risk among this population.

A Multi-center Study on Artificial Intelligence-Based Quantitative Evaluation of Echocardiography

This project aims to collaborate with multiple medical institutions to verify the accuracy, stability, and clinical application value of AI algorithms in echocardiographic quantitative measurement through multi-center clinical research. Specific objectives include: 1. Compare the automatic measurement results of AI with the manual measurement data from physicians of different levels, and analyze the measurement deviation and consistency of AI in key parameters such as intracardiac diameter, volume, and function. 2. Investigate whether AI-assisted measurement can significantly reduce echocardiogram analysis time and optimize clinical workflows. Through multi-center data validation, establish a standardized reference system for AI ultrasound measurement, promote the promotion and application of AI technology in medical institutions at all levels, and reduce diagnostic differences between different hospitals and physicians. 3. Exploring the application of AI in special cases: Assessing the measurement stability of AI algorithms in complex cases (such as cardiomyopathy, valvular disease, coronary heart disease, etc.), and optimizing AI models to meet broader clinical needs.

Cardio-Fit2: Impact of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, being responsible for 17.9 million deaths annually, according to the World Heart Federation (WHF), which represents a significant social and health cost both due to direct expenses derived from admissions and diagnostic-therapeutic methods, as well as indirect expenses secondary to work incapacity, disability and loss of autonomy that this generates. Although advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques have been incorporated in recent years in the acute phase of ischemic heart disease, interventions during hospitalization and after hospital discharge remain insufficient in terms of secondary prevention, a paradoxical fact, since increasingly, the available evidence, as well as the recommendation guidelines, focus on the modification of lifestyle habits and control of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), fundamental pillars of cardiac rehabilitation programs (PRC) as a preventive measure both in the appearance of new adverse events and in the reduction of disease progression and improvement of the functional capacity of the patient. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) was defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 1960s as "the set of activities necessary to ensure that heart patients have an optimal physical, mental and social condition, allowing them to occupy, by their own means, as normal a place as possible in society." The scientific evidence is more than consistent regarding the benefits that multidisciplinary CRP provides in terms of cardiovascular mortality and quality of life (QoL) of our patients and how these results are maintained despite changes in patient characteristics and risk, or the incorporation of new pharmacological treatments. Therefore, if we deprive our patients of these therapies, we are indirectly acting negatively on their cardiovascular prognosis, especially within the field of ischemic heart disease, although it is increasingly being extended to other areas of Cardiology such as heart failure (HF), pulmonary hypertension (PH), valvular disease,7 etc. So much so that it is already included in the latest clinical practice guidelines of the main scientific societies at European and American level, establishing participation in a CR program after acute coronary syndrome or coronary revascularization and those patients with HF as a "level of recommendation I evidence A"

Swiss Secondary Prevention and Rehabilitation Registry

The SwissPR study is to continuously monitor patient characteristics and short- and long-term benchmark quality measures and outcomes of patients participating in a 12-week ambulatory CR program.

Clinical Research on 68Ga-FAPI PET/CMR in Cardiovascular Diseases

FAP-targeted PET imaging using 68Ga-FAPI enables early detection of myocardial fibrosis. Combined PET/CMR provides comprehensive cardiac assessment without extra radiation. This advanced imaging approach improves diagnosis and personalized treatment for better patient outcomes.

Epigenetics and NCD Prevention in Kazakhstan: Personalized Approaches and Biological Age Prediction

This study aims to enhance personalized and preventive care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Kazakhstan by examining epigenetic factors, predicting biological age and reproductive function using machine learning, and developing health improvement recommendations.

Effect of Exercise on Tapering Antipsychotics in Patients With Psycho-cardiological Disease(EXTRA-study)

Psycho-Cardiological Disease studies the complex links between the cardiovascular system and emotions. The two diseases are now the focus of public health organizations, forming a vicious circle of mutual influence. Anxiety and depressive symptoms are three to four times more common in patients with cardiovascular disease than in the general population, and about 15 to 18 percent of patients with coronary heart disease also have major depression, while 25 to 30 percent show significant depressive symptoms. At least 20% of patients with chronic heart failure have some degree of depression. In addition, the probability of cardiovascular events is 2.5 times higher in patients with two hearts, the risk of recurrence of cardiovascular events is heightened, and is strongly associated with higher mortality. At present, the common treatment methods show different advantages and disadvantages, for example, Antipsychotics treatment is a common means of depression/anxiety symptoms, with rapid onset, significant efficacy, wide application and other advantages. However, medications often struggle to fully relieve symptoms, have a high recurrence rate, and can have side effects. Psychotherapy as a traditional intervention method for mental disorders. Its advantages are long-lasting efficacy and no Antipsychotics dependence, but the effect is slower, and patients need to invest more time, energy and financial resources, and the psychological burden is also heavier. In recent years, exercise therapy, as a safe intervention without significant side effects, has been gradually included in a number of international clinical guidelines, and is regarded as the first-line recommended treatment for mild to moderate depression. Research has shown that exercise can effectively relieve anxiety and depression symptoms through a variety of mechanisms, such as lowering cortisol levels, regulating autonomic nervous system function, and reducing stress responses. A study of aerobic exercise in patients with Psycho-Cardiological Disease showed that a 16-week exercise intervention significantly reduced patients' depression scores and significantly improved mood and cognitive function. In addition, it has been validated in multiple studies that exercise can significantly reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by enhancing neuroplasticity, promoting neurogenesis and synaptic remodeling, improving cognitive and emotional regulation. These findings provide a strong theoretical and practical basis for the application of exercise therapy in the comprehensive management of Psycho-Cardiological Disease. The above studies provide important theoretical support for the treatment of biheart disease with exercise, but most studies focus on scale scores, biomarkers, and changes in social behavior. It is well known that antidepressant or anti-anxiety drugs can have many side effects due to their dosage, duration and long-term use, which in turn poses a potential risk to the overall health and quality of life of patients. Therefore, it is of significant clinical significance and research value to explore whether exercise as an adjunct therapy can effectively reduce the use of Antipsychotics and shorten the withdrawal period. This will not only help optimize personalized treatment plans, provide scientific basis for clinical decision-making, but also promote the development of Psycho-Cardiological Disease treatment to the direction of precision and integration.

Roxadustat's Effect on Heart, Nutrition, and Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients

Patients with kidney failure who require hemodialysis often suffer from anemia (low red blood cell count), heart and blood vessel problems, and a condition involving poor nutrition, inflammation, and hardening of the arteries (called MIA syndrome). Standard treatments for anemia often involve injections and iron supplements. This study aims to see if a newer oral medication, Roxadustat, works better than these standard treatments not only for anemia but also for improving cardiovascular health and the MIA syndrome. Participants in the study will be randomly assigned (like by chance) to one of two groups. One group will receive Roxadustat, while the other group will continue with their conventional anemia treatment. Researchers will compare the effects on heart function, markers of nutrition and inflammation, and anemia levels in both groups over a 6-month period.