Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risks Among the Participants of the ESC Congress 2025

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) is dedicated to promoting cardiovascular (CV) health and minimizing the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases throughout Europe. As a founding member of the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), the ESC is advocating for European and National Cardiovascular Health Plans which would include a cardiovascular and diabetes health check as part of a screening process for citizens. In line with this call for public health diagnosis of CV health, the ESC is committed to raising awareness on the need for actions and proposes to offer complimentary tests to delegates at ESC Congress 2025 in Madrid.

Interdisciplinary Program to Improve Lifestyle in Chronic Pathology: Alt Pirineu Aran in Fit (APA-FIT)

Interdisciplinary Program to Improve the Lifestyle of Individuals with Chronic Conditions in the Alt Pirineu and Aran Region Sedentary behavior and lack of regular physical activity have been widely recognized as urgent global public health issues-not only because they are key risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but also due to their impact on major chronic diseases. Primary Objective / Hypothesis To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program aimed at improving the lifestyle of individuals with chronic conditions in the Alt Pirineu and Aran health region by promoting active living and physical activity (PA), healthy dietary habits, and positive mental health (PMH), through the use of a digital tool (APP). The program also aims to determine whether this intervention leads to a reduction in cardiovascular risk, comorbidity, and premature aging associated with non-communicable diseases. Study Design and Sample The sample will consist of individuals over 18 years of age with moderate to high cardiovascular risk who voluntarily participate in the project. The program will last for 9 months and will be structured into two groups: an intervention group, which will actively participate in the program through the APP, and a control group, which will not receive the intervention. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will be applied to assess the effects of the program. Applicability and Relevance This project seeks to implement an interdisciplinary care model for individuals with chronic conditions, aiming to enhance lifestyle behaviors, reduce comorbidity, and mitigate premature aging. The APA-fit digital tool seeks to implement this model by empowering patients in their self-care and facilitating seamless, effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

Cf-PWV and TyG Index Study

This study aims to investigate how metabolic health is related to arterial stiffness and daily blood pressure patterns. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease worldwide, but cardiovascular risk is not determined only by average blood pressure values. Changes in blood vessel structure and metabolic function also play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness reflects how flexible or rigid the arteries are. It can be measured using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), which is considered a reliable and widely used method to assess vascular health. Increased arterial stiffness is associated with aging and higher cardiovascular risk. At the same time, metabolic factors such as insulin resistance and central obesity are strongly linked to vascular damage. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a simple measure derived from routine blood tests and has been shown to reflect insulin resistance. Additional derived indices that combine TyG with body measurements (such as waist circumference and body mass index) may provide an even more comprehensive evaluation of metabolic risk. Another important aspect of cardiovascular regulation is how blood pressure changes throughout the day. Blood pressure naturally rises in the morning after waking, a phenomenon known as the morning blood pressure surge. When this increase is excessive, it has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. This study will evaluate the relationship between metabolic indices, arterial stiffness, and morning blood pressure patterns in adults undergoing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring as part of routine clinical care. The study will include both previously collected data and new participants evaluated using standardized methods. No additional interventions will be performed, and all data will be collected as part of routine clinical evaluation. The results of this study may help improve cardiovascular risk assessment by integrating simple metabolic markers with vascular measurements and daily blood pressure behavior, potentially allowing earlier identification of individuals at higher risk.

Trial to Evaluate Reduction in Inflammation in Patients With Advanced Chronic Renal Disease Utilizing Antibody Mediated IL-6 Inhibition in Japan.

The purpose of this research study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of 2 different doses of a study drug called ziltivekimab to placebo (an inactive substance) in reducing inflammation and improving some of the bad effects of inflammation on heart disease. Participants will be randomly (by chance) assigned to receive either ziltivekimab or placebo. The chance that participants will be assigned into one of the three study arms of ziltivekimab (either 15 mg or 30 mg) or placebo is the same (approximately 33%). This is a double-blind study, which means neither participants nor the study doctor will know which group the participants are in. In case of an emergency, however, the study doctor can get this information. The study drug will be injected under the skin once every 4 weeks. In this study participants will receive 3 injections of study drug. The total study duration for each participant will be approximately 6 months.

Evolution of Hypoxic Burden and Sympathetic/Parasympathetic Balance in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension

Background and Rationale: Sleep-disordered breathing and nocturnal hypoxemia are highly prevalent in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH), and current guidelines recommend systematic sleep assessment in this population. In obstructive sleep apnea, nocturnal hypoxic burden-defined as the area under the SpO₂ desaturation curve associated with respiratory events (%.min/h)-has demonstrated strong prognostic value for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, its role in precapillary PH has not yet been investigated. Evaluating hypoxic burden in this population may refine indications and therapeutic targets for nocturnal oxygen therapy. In addition, pulmonary hypertension is characterized by autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, including increased sympathetic tone, reduced heart rate variability (HRV), and a higher incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, all associated with worse prognosis. The reduction in HRV is particularly deleterious when occurring during restorative slow-wave sleep (N3), a phase marked by predominant parasympathetic activity essential for cardiovascular recovery and homeostasis. A better understanding of the interaction between nocturnal hypoxemia and ANS modulation may provide new prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in PH. Objectives: 1. To describe the evolution of nocturnal hypoxic burden over time in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months). 2. To describe the longitudinal evolution of HRV parameters (RMSSD, LF/HF ratio, HF) at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. 3. To evaluate cross-sectional correlations (at baseline, M12, and M24) between HRV parameters, hypoxic burden, oxygen desaturation, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and clinical status. 4. To evaluate longitudinal correlations between changes in HRV parameters, hypoxic burden, desaturation, AHI, and clinical status between baseline and M12, and between baseline and M24. 5. To assess the 2-year prognostic value of HRV parameters and hypoxic burden for adverse clinical outcomes. Study Design and Population: This is a prospective, single-center observational cohort study conducted at the Pulmonary Hypertension Referral Center of Rouen University Hospital. The cohort design allows longitudinal assessment of HRV, hypoxic burden, and clinical status, enabling both cross-sectional and longitudinal correlation analyses, as well as prognostic evaluation. A total of 60 adult patients (≥18 years) with precapillary pulmonary hypertension confirmed by right heart catheterization and requiring pulmonary arterial vasodilator therapy will be included. Participants will undergo full overnight polysomnography (PSG) at: * Baseline (inclusion) * 12 months (M12) * 24 months (M24) For incident cases, baseline PSG will be performed prior to initiation of vasodilator therapy. All patients will continue to receive standard-of-care management according to current European guidelines for pulmonary hypertension. Descriptive analyses and cross-sectional correlations will pool repeated measures (excluding incident baseline values for generalization to prevalent cases). Intra-subject correlation will be accounted for using bootstrap methods. Longitudinal analyses will assess changes over time and prognostic associations. The prognostic value of HRV and hypoxic burden will be evaluated over a 2-year follow-up period. This study explores an original dimension of precapillary pulmonary hypertension pathophysiology by investigating the interaction between nocturnal oxygenation, autonomic dysfunction, and clinical evolution. Identification of hypoxic burden and HRV as prognostic markers may contribute to improved risk astratification and therapeutic optimization in this high-risk population.

ARTEMIS - A Research Study to Look at How Ziltivekimab Works Compared to Placebo in People With a Heart Attack

The research study is being done to see if ziltivekimab can be used to treat people who were admitted to hospital because of a heart attack. Ziltivekimab might reduce development of heart disease, thereby preventing new heart attacks or strokes. Participants will either get ziltivekimab (active medicine) or placebo (a dummy medicine which has no effect on the body). Which treatment participants get is decided by chance. The chance of getting ziltivekimab or placebo is the same. The participant will need to inject the study medicine into a flat skin surface in there stomach, thigh, or upper arm once every month. Ziltivekimab is not yet approved in any country or region in the world. It is a new medicine that doctors cannot prescribe. The study will last for about 2 years.

ZEUS - A Research Study to Look at How Ziltivekimab Works Compared to Placebo in People With Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease and Inflammation

This study is conducted to see if ziltivekimab reduces the risk of having cardiovascular events (for example heart attack and stroke) in people with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and inflammation. Participants will either get ziltivekimab (active medicine) or placebo (a dummy medicine which has no effect on the body). This is known as the study medicine. Which treatment participants get is decided by chance. Participants chance of getting ziltivekimab or placebo is the same. Ziltivekimab is not yet approved in any country or region in the world. It is a new medicine doctors cannot prescribe. Participants will get the study medicine in a pre filled syringe. Participants will need to use the pre filled syringe to inject the study medicine into a skinfold once-monthly. The study is expected to last for up to 4 years. Participants will have up to 20 clinic visits. Participants will have blood and urine samples taken at most of the clinic visits. Participants will have their heart examined using sound waves (echocardiography) and electrodes (electrocardiogram). Women cannot take part if pregnant, breast-feeding or planning to get pregnant during the study period.

Impact of the Corrie Lipids Digital Health Program on Lipid Optimization

The overall objective is to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of the Corrie Lipids Program, a comprehensive digital health initiative designed to address critical gaps in lipid-lowering as a component of ASCVD treatment by delivering an intervention that combines a patient-facing smartphone app, clinician education and coaching, and seamless incorporation into clinical workflows. Researchers plan to assess this multicenter digital health initiative in approximately 1,000 adults with uncontrolled LDL-C and elevated ASCVD risk using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. The study will examine whether the program improves LDL-C goal attainment, app engagement, prescribing patterns, and LDL-C monitoring, while also identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation across sites.

Guideline Adherence in Dyslipidemia With Clinical Decision Support

Objective: To validate the performance of the developed clinical decision support system (CDSS) for participants with lipid metabolism disorders based on a decision tree algorithm. Materials and Methods: A clinical decision support system for participants with lipid profile abnormalities will be developed using the Orbeon open-source online form creation platform based on current clinical guidelines. During the CDSS pilot implementation, the electronic medical records (EMRs) of 500 participants from the Institute of Personalized Cardiology of the Biomedical Science and Technology Park at Sechenov University will be analyzed. Retrospective data on prescribed lipid-lowering therapy extracted from the EHR will be compared with the CDSS recommendations. The accuracy of the decisions will be assessed by three independent experts based on digitized clinical and laboratory patient profiles. The primary endpoint of the study will be to determine the accuracy of the system. Results: This study will result in the development (creation) and pilot application of the CDSS program in participants with dyslipidemia in real clinical practice. Conclusion: The developed CDSS system for dyslipidemia will significantly reduce the time required for clinical decision-making and help avoid errors in the interpretation of patient data.

Studying the Presence of CFRD Complications With Thoughtful Recruitment (SPeCTRuM)

This multicenter cross-sectional study will include a diverse population of adolescents and adults with CF. The overall Aim is to describe prevalence of diabetes microvascular complications and macrovascular surrogates in people with established CFRD.

Novel Risk Prediction Approaches for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases in Italy: the CVRISK-IT Trial (CVRISK-IT)

The CVRISK-IT study aims to evaluate the health benefit of measuring genetic and imaging risk information in men and women considered at 'low-to-moderate' or 'high' risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in a randomized controlled trial in Italian primary care settings. Our primary objective is to answer a fundamental question in the prevention and prediction of CVD in Italy and globally: is there any benefit in including additional information (such as genetic and/or imaging data) in estimating risk, in conjunction with lifestyle advice and medical treatment for primary prevention of CVD? As a key secondary objective of the CVRISK-IT study, the goal is to build a large bioresource with clinical information and biological samples to facilitate a new generation of discovery and translational research that will advance understanding of the genetic, molecular and behavioural determinants as well as mechanisms of multiple chronic diseases in the Italian population. By contributing to the Rete Cardiologica database and the BBDCARDIO biobank, the CVRISK-IT study will also serve as a cornerstone for future investigations into the development and testing of early diagnostic technologies and preventive (or 'personalised precision health') interventions for chronic diseases.

Time Restricted Eating in Survivors Trial 2.0

After chemotherapy, older breast cancer survivors experience a faster decline in brain function. This can make it harder to enjoy life, stay social, and maintain independence. Chemotherapy can lead to poorer lifestyle habits, like unhealthy eating, less exercise, high stress, and poor sleep. Chemotherapy can also affect important health markers like blood sugar and cholesterol. Over time, these changes can damage blood vessels, which might lead to heart and brain issues. The investigators do not fully understand why brain function declines faster after chemotherapy, especially in older survivors, because there are many factors involved. In this study, the investigators will look at how lifestyle habits (like diet, exercise, stress and sleep), health markers (like blood sugar and cholesterol), and blood vessel health (like how well blood flows and how stiff the blood vessels are) affect brain function in older breast cancer survivors. The investigators will include 152 females aged 60-85 years, who finished chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer at least 1 year ago. The investigators will use special tests to check different parts of brain function, like language, memory, and attention, as well as brain blood vessel health. This will help to understand which factors might speed up or slow down memory and thinking problems. Since many Canadian breast cancer survivors experience faster decline in brain function after chemotherapy, this study aims to find out what might make it worse. The results could help to create better and more personalized treatment plans for older breast cancer survivors that protect brain health and reduce problems with brain function in the future.

A Community Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Program in Older Adults Engaged in Congregate Nutrition Services (CAN-DO)

Investigators plan to test the effect of a Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction program targeted to improve nutrition and self-management of chronic cardiovascular conditions among older adults participating in congregate meal programs offered at community senior centers.

Polyphenol Metabolism and Personalized Nutrition in Menopause (PolyPause).

The study aims to evaluate the role of the gut microbiome and phageome in explaining interindividual variability in the metabolic response to polyphenol-rich nutraceuticals among menopausal women. Insights from this research will support the development of personalized nutrition strategies to improve quality of life and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk during menopause.

Dose-Response to Resistance Exercise on Cardiovascular Health

A large body of evidence indicates numerous health benefits of physical activity, including prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in the US. This evidence has led to US Physical Activity Guidelines that recommend ≥150 min/week of moderate or ≥75 min/week of vigorous aerobic exercise (AE), plus resistance exercise (RE; such as weight lifting) on ≥2 days/week. To date, current research has mostly focused on AE, and we know a great deal about the dose-response relation between AE and health, resulting in clear and practical guidance to the public on the recommended "dose" in min/week. However, currently far less is known about the dose-response for RE: ≥2 days/week are recommended, but with no duration specified. Thus, this project aims to provide clarity on the dose relationship between RE and health. This project will significantly contribute to developing more effective CVD prevention approaches, advancing prescriptive intervention guidelines, by helping to fill the important gaps in knowledge on effective minimum dose, beneficial optimal dose, and safe maximum dose of RE for CVD prevention. Thus, advancing prescriptive intervention guidelines, and provide important insights for future science of physical activity and health.

Evaluation of the Clinical Benefit of the Aktiia Blood Pressure Monitoring for Early Awareness of Hypertension and Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk

Because Aktiia S.A. has been the first-ever company to put in the market an Optical Blood Pressure Monitoring device, there is a need for Aktiia S.A. to correlate for the first time continual Blood Pressure monitoring and the evolution of environmental and health factors to improve hypertension management.

The Effect of Multidisciplinary Care Approach on CV Risk Modification in CaP Patients Receiving ADT

Prostate cancer is characterised by its slow progression nature, and even for metastatic disease, the 5-year survival is up to 30%. While ADT can effectively control disease, there is increasing evidence suggesting that it can also result in many adverse cardiovascular side effects on the patients, and these effects are particularly important due to the prolonged survival of these patients. There are suggestions that close cardiovascular (CV) monitoring will help to reduce cardiovascular risk and related morbidities. However, there is limited data to show the positive impact of these monitoring could reducing CV risk and morbidities. Moreover, information regarding the optimal follow-up approach and schedule is also lacking. Therefore, there is a need to have more information on the approach to monitoring the CV risk and the real-life impact of this monitoring on our patients. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and plan to receive ADT are invited to participate in this study to assess the potential benefit of multidisciplinary care approach to CV risk modification.

Suicide Ideation in Hereditary Angioedema

This study focuses on patients with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) to better understand how mental health affects overall well-being. Through a questionnaire, the investigators will assess the presence of suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression, as well as cardiovascular risk markers. By analyzing these factors together, the investigators aim to identify possible links between mental health and heart health in people with HAE. This research will help improve care strategies and highlight the importance of mental well-being in managing HAE.

Coffee Bioequivalence Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to test if coffee consumed as a tablet is biologically equivalent to that consumed traditionally as a drink. It will also learn about the impact of the short-term intake of coffee on markers of cardiovascular and liver health. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do coffee bioactive compounds produce the same levels in blood and urine regardless of how the coffee is consumed (tablet or drink)? * How does coffee as a tablet or drink impact cardiovascular risk and liver health versus a non-coffee control? Participants will: * Visit the clinical unit for three phases; each phase is 1x 480 minute (eight hour) acute postprandial visit and 1 x one hour visit the following day. During each phase they will be randomly assigned to take a different intervention (coffee drink, coffee tablet, coffee-free control) * Be cannulated during the 480 minute (8 hour) acute visits and have regular blood draws as well as basic clinical assessments * Return on day two for a fasting blood sample and basic clinical assessment * Collect their urine for 24 h * Be asked to record their intake of foods and drinks for 3 days to assess their usual diet (dietary assessment).

Impact of Mediterranean Diet in Cardiovascular Risk Among People With HIV

This study (VIHMET) aims to explore how dietary changes, specifically the adoption of a Mediterranean diet, can improve health outcomes in people living with HIV (PLWH) who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). PLWH often experience chronic inflammation, metabolic disturbances, and elevated cardiovascular risk due to the virus, immune activation, and ART-related side effects. By examining dietary interventions, this study seeks strategies to reduce these risks and enhance quality of life. The VIHMET study is a randomized clinical trial involving 64 participants at Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, randomized into control and intervention groups (1:2 ratio). The intervention group will receive personalized nutritional counseling to improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet, focusing on food selection and meal preparation. The control group will follow standard dietary recommendations. Assessments will occur at baseline, week 24, and week 48. Key health indicators include lipid profiles, markers of inflammation, immune activation, and cardiovascular health, assessed through non-invasive techniques like arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis measurements. Participants will complete questionnaires on diet adherence, physical activity, and quality of life, alongside anthropometric evaluations. Eligible participants are adults with HIV, undetectable viral loads for 12+ months, and elevated LDL cholesterol with low Mediterranean diet adherence. Exclusion criteria include lipid-lowering drugs, chronic anti-inflammatory therapy, or other active inflammatory/metabolic conditions. This study aims to improve lipid levels, reduce inflammation, decrease arterial stiffness, and assess diet adherence's impact on quality of life and subclinical atherosclerosis. Results may inform dietary recommendations to reduce cardiovascular risks and enhance holistic care for PLWH.

The Role of Plant-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Molecular Characterisation in Individuals With Cardiovascular(CVD) Risk

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the outcome of plant-based omega-3 intervention on lipid profile and blood pressure after 12 weeks and to study the molecular markers associated with the incidence of CVD risk. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What is the role of plant-based omega-3 intervention on lipid profile and blood pressure of individuals with CVD risk after 12 weeks? * What is the association between unique molecular markers and plant-based omega-3 intervention among individuals with CVD risk? Participants will be subjected to two groups: * Treatment group: Receive standard dietary therapy and plant-based omega-3 supplemental beverage consumed once daily during breakfast * Control group: Receive only standard dietary therapy Researcher will compare between treatment and control group to see the effect of plant based omega-3 on lipid profile and blood pressure after 12 weeks

Cardiometabolic Risk of Obese Subjects: Cross-sectional Study

experimental study with analysis on tissues. This study aims to study cardiometabolic risk from a genetic, clinical, instrumental and laboratory point of view in a population of subjects with obesity.

LIVES: Personalized Lifestyle Intervention for Patients With Depression

Persons with affective disorder have a considerably increased risk of cardiovascular disease. To a considerable extent, this is due to an unhealthy life style. At present, no adequate lifestyle interventions are available for these patients. In the present pilot intervention study we study the acceptability and feasibility of a newly developed lifestyle intervention that is specifically tailored to the needs of patients with affective disorders treated in mental health care or general practice.

Glycoxidation, Arterial Biomechanics, and Target Organ Damage

Vascular target organ damage (TOD), defined as structural or functional deleterious changes in large and small arteries, is related to unfavorable arterial biomechanics, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction due to unfavorable redox and glycation states on the bases of these phenomena. However, little is known about the role of glycoxidation on arterial biomechanics and TOD in apparently healthy individuals. The main hypothesis is that glycation and glycoxidation status are associated with arterial biomechanical abnormalities and TOD in patients with moderate to high cardiovascular risk. This is an observational, ambispective, and multicenter project that will include non-smoking patients over 18 years, without diabetes mellitus or established cardiovascular disease. Demographic, epidemiological, and clinical-anthropometric variables will be collected, including data from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The investigators will measure the serum percentage of glycated hemoglobin, glycated albumin, and fructosamine levels; along with quantification of skin advanced glycation and glycoxidation end productos (AGEs). Plasma concentration, activity, and structure of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in relation to the patient's glycation and glycoxidation status will be also evaluated. Concurrently, several biomechanical parameters will be assessed in the Common, Internal Carotid Artery, and distal limb arteries using ultrasound exploration. Incipient microvasculature damage will be also evaluated by retinal image. Patients will be followed up for the development of arterial biomechanical abnormalities and TOD, along with cardiovascular events.