Clinical Research Directory

A Study of Microcirculatory Function in Type 2 Myocardial Infarction (T2MI)

The purpose of this research is to find out if patients with Type 2 Myocardial Infarction (T2MI) without significant epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD) have a greater chance of having coronary microvascular disease (CMD).

Management and Outcomes of Patients Admitted to Coronary Care Units, Depending on Degree of Frailty and Comorbidities

Background Patients less than 80 years of age, who suffer a myocardial infarction (MI) are usually (\>90%) offered an early invasive strategy including coronary angiography possibly followed by intervention, preferably percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Among non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients, 80 years of age or over, only approximately 40% receive an invasive approach in Sweden, since the majority are handled in a conservative way, i.e. with medical treatment only. Furthermore, as with pharmacological treatment, there is a large variation between Swedish counties regarding the choice of strategy for the treatment of elderly (80+) patients with NSTEMI with an even larger variation between acute hospitals ranging from 20% to 90 %. The Swedish national guidelines for heart disease have emphasized that the patient's biological age, i.e. the patient's biological status and expected length of life, is crucial for decision-making. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a global clinical measure of biological age, mixing co-morbidity, disability and cognitive impairment. The investigators have previously reported the potential importance of frailty for short-term (1 month) and medium-term outcome (1 year) in a NSTEMI population. However, published data on the role of frailty´s prognostic value, its capacity to predict adverse effects including complications, and the potential to guide clinical decision-making for elderly patients with myocardial infarction are scarce. Similarly, there is a lack of knowledge of how different patterns of comorbidity burden might influence rational decision-making. Aims To explore the association between frailty and treatment patterns in cardiac care To study the association between outcomes and degree of frailty, with and without comprehensive adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics. To study how treatment benefits for patients admitted to coronary care units differ in patients depending on comorbidities and frailty. Hypothesis The investigators hypothesize that frailty is independently associated with worse outcomes, including mortality, readmissions and complications. Methods and material An observational, register based, multicentre study. Inclusion criteria: Patients consecutively included in the Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART) registry. Exclusion criteria: None. SWEDEHEART is a national quality registry collecting information on all patients hospitalized with MI or suspected MI. All 72 Swedish hospitals with acute coronary care contribute with data. Briefly, information is collected prospectively about individual patients' medical history, treatment before admission, management during hospital stay, treatment at discharge, and diagnoses. Approximately 20.000 patients diagnosed with MI are included in this register per year. From January 1st 2020 frailty (CFS) is a mandatory variable in the registry. However, as a pilot project to ensure feasibility, five hospitals began to register frailty November 1st, 2017. For the investigators initial analyses data will be used from the pilot study to assess the association between CFS level and outcomes. The data extraction will be done by one of the monitors of the SWEDEHEART registry. After about two years the investigators will extract data prospectively entered into the registry. The frailty instrument The crucial study instrument CFS is a 9-point scale. It has good predictive validity and prognostic power, is relying on clinical judgment, and is relatively easily used in clinical practice. Since the scale includes several degrees it can be considered to be particularly appropriate for risk stratification, and accordingly it has been used for this purpose. The investigators have got the instrument owner´s permission to use this scale. The case record form (CRF) focus on demographic and clinical patient characteristics registered in the SWEDEHEART, particularly those which are supposed to be potential confounders when testing the hypothesis: chronological age, gender, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, heart failure, renal insufficiency, other co-morbidities, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), previous MI, medications, ejection fraction, and the classification of MI. Cardiovascular risk will be assessed according to the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score (GRS). Results from echocardiography, ECGs, laboratory testing and registration of anthropometric data will be included according to routine practice within the frame of SWEDEHEART. Follow-up of cohorts of invasively or conservatively treated patients with different stages of frailty will be done one, three, six, 12, 24 and 36 months after the inclusion point respectively.

RELEASE - Reconsidering Long-Term Aspirin in the Elderly Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: A Randomized Non-Inferiority Trial

RELEASE is a national, randomized, registry-based trial including 7,000 participants in Denmark. The trial aims to determine whether discontinuation of long-term aspirin therapy is non-inferior to continued aspirin therapy in older adults with stable ischemic heart disease. Long-term aspirin therapy is recommended for patients with established ischemic heart disease. However, among clinically stable patients years after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or myocardial infarction (MI), the evidence supporting lifelong aspirin therapy is limited. At the same time, the risk of serious bleeding increases with age. RELEASE will therefore compare aspirin discontinuation with continued aspirin therapy in adults aged 65 years or older with stable ischemic heart disease who have remained free from ischemic events for at least two years. The trial will assess whether discontinuing aspirin is non-inferior to continued treatment with respect to cardiovascular and bleeding outcomes.

Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker Versus pROton-Pump Inhibitor for GastroproTECTion Strategies In Patients at High Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding Risk Receiving Antithrombotic Therapy

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel P-CAB (tegoprazan 50 mg once daily) as compared with standard PPI (rabeprazole 20 mg once daily) for protection of GI events in patients with known cardiac and vascular disease receiving chronic use of antithrombotic drugs (either antiplatelets, OAC, and its combinations) who are at high GI bleeding risk. The primary hypothesis is that P-CAB (experimental arm) would non-inferior to PPI (standard arm) with respect to the rate of the primary composite end point of GI events at 12 months after randomization.

Neuroinflammation After Myocardial Infarction - Imaging Substudy

The purpose of the study is to see if positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) with an investigational drug called \[18F\]DPA-714 will show inflammation in the brain after a heart attack. This study may help physicians and researchers better understand the role of brain inflammation in heart disease and develop new treatments to protect the brain.

Efferon CT Hemoadsorption for Cardiogenic Shock in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Cardiogenic shock is the most severe manifestation of acute heart failure and remains the leading cause of death in patients hospitalised with acute myocardial infarction. Cardiogenic shock is a well-known and potent trigger of the immune response, ischemia/reperfusion organ damage, hemolysis and release of free hemoglobin. The activation of immune cells leads to the release of cytokines and inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, IL-8, activated complement and others. As a result of myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion injury, a multiorgan dysfunction syndrome may develop. The Efferon CT hemoadsorption device effectively removes cytokines and other pro-inflammatory molecules (≤55 kDa). This study evaluates whether this blood-filtering therapy can prevent organ failure in acute myocardial infarction patients with cardiogenic shock by eliminating inflammation-inducing mediators.

A Study of Population and Sex-specific Troponin Cutoffs for Ruling Out Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as a rise and/or fall in cardiac troponins (cTn) with at least one value above the 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) in the context of symptoms or clinical evidence of myocardial ischemia. The URL is based on measurements in a healthy reference population. Currently, a sex-uniform manufacturer-provided 99th percentile URL of troponin is utilised at Danish hospitals as a diagnostic cutoff for acute MI for both men and women. Reportedly, healthy men have twofold the troponin level compared to healthy women, suggesting that the use of a uniform URL for troponins may lead to the under-diagnostication of acute MI in women and potentially over-diagnostication in men. The purpose of the DANSPOT study is to evaluate the clinical effect on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes in men and women presenting with acute MI of implementing international guidelines recommendations of sex-specific 99th percentile URLs for troponin into clinical practice. First, to determine the sex-specific 99th percentile URLs of troponins based on a healthy Danish reference population, blood samples from Danish blood donors were analysed using one troponin T assay and four troponin I assays. Second, the DANSPOT study is a nationwide cluster-randomised trial with a "stepped-wedge" design, with participation of all 22 Danish hospital laboratories and associated departments of cardiology. With one-month intervals, each of the 22 centres is randomised to shift from the presently applied uniform 99th percentile URL of troponin to our newly determined population- and sex-specific 99th percentile URL. Each patient is followed up for 12 months after their first troponin measurement during the index admission. The hypothesis of the DANSPOT study is that implementation of population- and sex-specific 99th percentile URLs for troponin will ensure that the right patients receive the right treatment. The investigators expect to detect significantly more women with acute MI, theoretically resulting in a more accurate diagnosis and treatment of women and men with acute MI.

Investigation to Assess the Effects of Drug-COATED Balloons for Treatment of Plaques Erosions Causing Acute Coronary Syndromes

Drug eluting balloon angioplasty might be a better alternative than medical treatment or stenting in subjects with plaque erosion, which is the second most common cause of myocardial infarction. The main objective of this pilot study is to gain clear insights on the effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with size matched DCB (SeQuent) as compared to treatment with GP IIbIIIa inhibitor or heparin \& dual antiplatelet therapy in a predominantly Caucasian population at 2 days and at 1 year after the procedure.

Study of Circulating Monocytes in Patients With Ischemic Vascular Disease

The purpose of this research study is to discover the functions of circulating white blood cells, called monocytes, and associated circulating substances in heart attack and ischemic stroke patients. Ischemic Strokes (clots) occur as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. A type of monocyte carrying a surface marker called "P2X4" helps the immune system sense and respond to danger signals from the body such as heart muscle and brain tissue injuries. The researchers expect to learn more about how these monocyte cells react to heart and brain tissue injury, and how the cells may then produce proteins or other chemical substances which promote the healing of heart muscle after heart attack and brain tissue after an ischemic stroke.

Circulating Markers for Ischemic Heart Disease

The purpose of this research is to determine if two proteins in the blood are increased during acute myocardial infarction and whether their levels are higher in those who develop heart failure than those who do not. These two proteins are produced and potentially released when the heart muscle is damaged. They may then be released into the blood and be detected by standard method in the research laboratory. At this time, detection of an increase in these proteins in the blood is not known to be associated with any disease or myocardial infarction.

Vegetarian Diet and Innate Immunity in Patients With Myocardial Infarction and in Healthy Volunteers (FRESH-MI Study)

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the effect of a vegetarian diet on innate immunity of patients with a recent acute myocardial infarction and healthy participants. Also, we will assess the willingness to adapt a more vegetarian eating habit. Study subjects will follow a vegetarian diet for five weeks, whereafter a stabilisation period of six weeks will follow. Then, participants will follow to the other dietary intervention for five weeks. Blood will be drawn at given time points to analyse inflammatory parameters.

The Norwegian Trial of Physical Exercise After Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the main cause of death in Europe with about 2 million deaths annually. According to WHO, 30 % of deaths caused by MI could be prevented if the populations adhere to official guidelines for physical activity. However, secondary prevention trials in MI patients have been of insufficient size or quality to provide conclusive evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of death or recurrent cardiovascular diseases. NorEx is the first study able to provide such evidence. NorEx is a registry-based prospective, three-arm, randomized multicenter secondary prevention clinical trial with blinded end-point evaluation (PROBE design). The aim of the study is to investigate whether, and to what extent, moderate to high intensity supervised physical activity will reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular disease and death among people who have suffered a myocardial infarction. The intervention group consists of Approximately 3185 participants who will be trained to exercise for 4 years under supervision of a personal trainer. The study design includes two control groups each consisting of approximately 3200 patients.The primary composite endpoint is time to all-cause death, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke, whatever comes first during 4 years of follow-up. The study is powered to detect a 20 % difference in the incidence of the primary endpoint between the intervention group and the control groups. Novel health IT technology was specifically designed for NorEx, including a smart watch, a NorEx mobile application and a manager portal which allows the trainers to interact with the participants. Follow-up of the participants will be through national health registries for up to 10 years after study completion.

Evaluation of 1-Year Clinical Outcomes With Early Inclisiran Initiation in Post-MI Patients

Evaluation of clinical outcomes during 12 months after inclisiran initiation in patients after STEMI/non-STEMI in real-world settings in Russia. It is also planned to study the therapy effect on the lipid profile characteristics, its safety, the state of atherosclerotic plaques according to carotid ultrasound, the frequency of hospitalizations and the need for intensive follow-up.

Improving Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Using Target Heart Rate Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two types of exercise prescriptions in cardiac rehabilitation eligible older adults (60 years or older) with heart disease. The investigators found in a single site pilot trial (insert NCTxxx) that one exercise prescription was better and are now repeating this study in a larger population at two sites (Baystate Medical Center, Springfield MA and Henry Ford Health System, Detroit MI). The main questions the investigators aim to answer are: 1. Compare two different exercise prescriptions in cardiac rehabilitation on exercise outcomes 1. Graded exercise test +Target heart rate range prescription \[GXT-THRR\] 2. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) 2. What is the role of psychological feedback on fitness outcomes during cardiac rehabilitation and physical activity outside of cardiac rehabilitation. 3. What are the long-term clinical outcomes between the two exercise prescriptions Participants will be asked to: * Complete surveys about physical activity, exercise anxiety, exercise efficacy, and fears about exercising * Perform fitness measures (6-minute walk test, balance tests, stand to sit tests, a 400 meter walk, and handgrip strength) * Attend at least 18 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation after they are randomized to their exercise prescription group * Wear a heart rate monitor and a physical activity monitor per study protocol Participants will be randomized (flip of a coin) to either receive a graded exercise test and psychoeducational feedback or lifestyle education (nutrition for cardiac). The graded exercise test will be used to create a personalized exercise prescription with the target heart rate range calculated from the test and the lifestyle education group will use their ratings of perceived exertion for their exercise prescription.

Women's Health Initiative Strong and Healthy Study

The WHISH trial applies state-of-the science behavioral principles and currently available technologies to deliver a physical activity intervention without face-to-face contact to \~25,000 older U.S. women expected to consent. It includes the National Institute of Aging (NIA) Go4Life® Exercise \& Physical Activity materials 3 and WHISH developed targeted materials based on Go4Life® to provide inspirational tips and recommendations about how to achieve nationally recommended levels of PA and overcome barriers to exercise, with a means for self-monitoring and setting personal goals. The intervention builds upon evidence-based behavioral science principles and intervention components that have proven to be effective in increasing PA in older women, with innovative adaptive approaches to tailoring the delivery to meet individual (personal) needs.

Research on Infarction With Open Arteries Using OCT and CMR

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of plaque disruption and to assess the composition of disrupted plaques in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Additionally, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) will be used to detect myocardial abnormalities, which will be correlated to OCT findings to gain insight into the mechanisms of MI in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (i.e. "open arteries").

Intranasal Dexmedetomidine and Perioperative Myocardial Injury

PCI is the standard treatment for CAD, yet perioperative myocardial injury occurs frequently in nearly 40% of patients. Perioperative stress and sympathetic overactivation break myocardial oxygen balance and lead to cardiac damage, which further raises short-term cardiovascular events and long-term mortality risks. Dexmedetomidine exerts cardioprotective effects by inhibiting sympathetic excitation, though intravenous use carries risks of hypotension and bradycardia. Intranasal dexmedetomidine shows equivalent efficacy with fewer side effects and better patient compliance. Since no standard perioperative anesthesia regimen exists for elective PCI patients and the clinical benefits of dexmedetomidine remain unconfirmed, this pilot study is designed to test the feasibility and safety of intranasal dexmedetomidine spray before launching large formal RCTs.

IRI-EXPLORE: A Study to Test Whether BI 765845 Helps People Who Have Had a Heart Attack

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who have just had a heart attack. The purpose of this study is to find out whether a medicine called BI 765845 helps people who have had a heart attack. The investigators also want to test how well different doses of BI 765845 work and how they are tolerated by people who have had a heart attack. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either BI 765845 or placebo. Placebo treatments look like BI 765845 treatments but do not contain any medicine. Participants are about 3 times as likely to receive BI 765845 than placebo. Participants are in the study for 3 months. During this time, they visit the study site 7 times and get 3 phone calls from the site staff. At the visits, the doctors use clinical tests to check the health of the heart. The results are compared between the BI 765845 and placebo groups to see whether the treatment works. The doctors also regularly check participants' health and take note of any unwanted effects.

CES1 Crossover Trial of Clopidogrel and Ticagrelor

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate when genetic variation in the carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) gene influences antiplatelet therapy response, as assessed by ex vivo platelet aggregometry, in healthy participants treated with clopidogrel and ticagrelor. We hypothesize that genetic variation in CES1 will significantly impact on-clopidogrel platelet aggregation while having a minimal effect in ticagrelor-treated subjects. Specific Aim: To conduct a prospective randomized crossover study of clopidogrel and ticagrelor in healthy individuals stratified by CES1 genotype. Participants will be recruited by CES1 genotype into a randomized crossover study of clopidogrel (75 mg daily for 7d) and ticagrelor (90 mg twice daily for 7d) with extensive phenotyping including ex vivo platelet aggregometry performed pre- and post-drug administration in order to assess the interaction of genotype and drug choice on on-treatment platelet function.

Mental Stress and Myocardial Ischemia After MI: Sex Differences, Mechanisms and Prognosis

The purpose of this study is to look at the link between emotional stress and heart disease in men and women. Taking part in this study involves one clinic visit, one week of at home monitoring, and follow up phone calls every 6 months for 3 years.

Improving How Older Adults at Risk for Cardiovascular Outcomes Are Selected for Care Coordination

This pragmatic clinical trial embedded in an accountable care organization will determine the comparative effectiveness of two approaches for assigning care coordinators to older adults at risk for cardiovascular outcomes. The hypothesis is that assigning care coordinators to older adults based on perceived need will be more effective at preventing emergency department visits and hospitalizations compared to usual care.

Nurses' Health Study (Cardiovascular Component)

To determine the relationships of hormonal, reproductive, dietary, and lifestyle factors, as well as biochemical and genetic factors, with the subsequent risk of coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular events in a cohort of female registered nurses. The current funding cycle involves comprehensive metabolomic profiling of coronary heart disease cases and controls and development of metabolomic risk scores for coronary heart disease.

Impact of Early Diagnosis and Treatment of OSA on Hospital Readmission in Hospitalized Cardiac Patients

The purpose of this study is to determine whether early diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and initiation of and adherence to CPAP therapy in hospitalized cardiac patients would impact 30-day hospital readmission rates.

Evaluation of a Remote Behavioural Stress Recovery Intervention for Myocardial Infarction Patients Younger Than Fifty-five (BRIM-55): A Feasibility Study

The goal of this feasibility study is to learn if the randomised controlled trial evaluating the Remote-delivery Balance in Everyday Life (rBEL) programme for adults younger than 55 years who have experienced a myocardial infarction (MI), is feasible. The objective is to examine the feasibility of the rBEL programme and the associated study procedures before a controlled evaluation of the programme. This is an uncontrolled, single-arm, pre-post treatment designed study. Participants of the target population will take part of the six session over 13 week programme. Feasibility will be evaluated against predefined feasibility criteria regarding study procedures and programme acceptability.