Clinical Research Directory

Telegram Messenger Support for Smoking Cessation After Heart Attack

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether a 6-month behavioral intervention delivered via Telegram messenger increases smoking cessation rates in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Adult smokers hospitalized with acute MI who regularly use Telegram will be randomly assigned to either: * INTERVENTION GROUP: Standard care plus a 6-month Telegram chatbot program providing personalized motivational messages, cognitive-behavioral techniques for craving management, and relapse prevention support. * CONTROL GROUP: Standard care (routine physician advice to quit smoking) plus basic surveys via Telegram without therapeutic content. The primary outcome is 30-day point prevalence abstinence at 6 months, verified by blinded telephone interview with participant and corroborating report from a close relative. Secondary outcomes include changes in cigarette consumption, nicotine dependence, motivation, and intervention engagement metrics. This study addresses the critical gap in smoking cessation support after hospital discharge and could provide evidence for a scalable digital health solution in cardiac secondary prevention.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Strategies After Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing PCI: Prasugrel vs Ticagrelor & 12 Months vs 1-3 Months

This study is testing different blood-thinning treatment strategies for people who have had a heart attack and were successfully treated with a coronary stent procedure (PCI). All strategies tested are already approved for this condition and used inversally. This study will define which of the approved strategies is the best one. After PCI, patients usually receive two antiplatelet medicines for up to 12 months to help prevent another heart attack or stroke, but this treatment can also increase bleeding risk. This study will compare a shorter course of dual antiplatelet therapy followed by one antiplatelet medicine alone versus the standard 12-month course. In addition, the study will compare two commonly used antiplatelet drugs, prasugrel and ticagrelor. The goal is to find out which strategy best prevents death, heart attack, or stroke while minimizing serious bleeding. This study is not testing any new intervention, rather comparing approved drugs and approved durations of use.

Timing of Coronary Angiography in NSTEMI Complicated by Acute HF

Study objectives: To determine the optimal timing of coronary angiography (CAG) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) complicated by acute decompensated heart failure (AHF). The primary objective of this trial is to test the hypothesis that immediate CAG ≤2 hours after establishment of NSTEMI diagnosis would result in a significant reduction in primary composite outcome of death from any cause, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or hospitalization for heart failure (HF) at 12 months after randomization as compared with delayed CAG after stabilization. Study hypothesis: Immediate CAG ≤2 hours after establishment of NSTEMI diagnosis would result in a significant reduction in primary composite outcome of death from any cause, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or hospitalization for heart failure (HF) at 12 months after randomization as compared with delayed CAG after stabilization. Background: Although current guidelines recommend early CAG within 2 hours for patients with NSTEMI complicated by AHF, many patients with NSTEMI complicated by AHF did not receive early CAG. However, no randomized clinical trials have evaluated the optimal timing of CAG in patients with NSTEMI complicated by AHF. Therefore, the investigators aimed to perform a prospective, investigator-initiated, open-label, muilticenter trial to compare the efficacy and safety between immediate CAG (CAG \<2 hours after establishment of NSTEMI diagnosis) and delayed CAG after stabilization (i.e. improved dyspnea and disappearance of pulmonary congestion) in participants with NSTEMI complicated by AHF. Study procedure: Following the establishment of NSTEMI diagnosis, participants fulfilling the eligibility criteria will be randomized at a ratio of 1:1 to immediate CAG ≤2 hours after randomization or delayed CAG after stabilization on another day during hospitalization.

Aspirin Continuation or Interruption in Patients at Moderate Risk for Cardiovascular Events Undergoing Colonoscopy and/or Polypectomy

One in 4 adults between 50 and 80 reports taking regular aspirin. The prevalence of aspirin uses increases with age as well as co-morbid vascular diseases. Patients with cardiovascular diseases are at risk of developing colorectal neoplasms. In patients undergoing screening colonoscopy, interruption of aspirin is believed to be associated with increased cardiovascular events. Continuation of aspirin can however be associated with an increased risk of post-polypectomy bleeding. International guidelines on periendoscopy management recommend the continuation of aspirin based on evidence from cohort studies, mostly retrospective, suggesting that the rate of bleeding is low. Cardiovascular complications from aspirin interruption can lead to disabilities and occasional deaths. The cardiovascular risks following aspirin continuation or interruption in endoscopy have not been well studied. There has been no randomized study to compare either strategy. Endoscopists are divided on their opinion on whether to stop or to continue aspirin. The proposed large randomized controlled trial (RCT) is powered to detect small differences in both outcomes. Findings from this RCT will address this important question and inform our clinical practice.

The Effect of Sodium Glucose Co-trnasportert Type 2 Inhibitors on Arterial Stiffness, Endothelial Glycocalyx Thickness and Cardiac Deformation After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) remains one of the leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. It most commonly occurs due to acute coronary artery occlusion following rupture or erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus formation. Despite significant advances in reperfusion strategies and guideline-directed pharmacological therapy, patients who survive MI remain at increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Therefore, additional therapeutic strategies that may improve vascular function, myocardial remodeling, and overall cardiovascular prognosis following MI are of considerable clinical interest. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have recently emerged as an important pharmacological class with significant cardiometabolic benefits. Large randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and in patients with heart failure irrespective of diabetic status. The cardioprotective effects of these agents appear to extend beyond glycemic control and include improvements in myocardial energetics, vascular function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Emerging evidence suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors may also exert beneficial effects on vascular stiffness, endothelial function, and myocardial remodeling. However, data regarding their potential impact on arterial stiffness, endothelial glycocalyx integrity, and myocardial deformation parameters in the early post-myocardial infarction setting remain limited. The primary aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of empagliflozin administration (10 mg daily) on arterial stiffness, endothelial glycocalyx thickness, and myocardial deformation indices of the left ventricle and left atrium during a 12-month follow-up period in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Secondary objectives include: 1. evaluation of the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as cardiovascular death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and acute ischemic stroke; 2. investigation of the association between the occurrence of MACE and vascular and myocardial functional parameters, including indices of arterial stiffness, endothelial glycocalyx integrity, and myocardial strain measurements; and 3. assessment of oxidative stress burden through circulating biomarkers. This prospective observational study will include adult patients diagnosed with acute STEMI who are hospitalized in the Second University Cardiology Clinic of "Attikon" General Hospital. All participants will provide written informed consent prior to enrollment and will receive standard guideline-directed therapy for acute myocardial infarction according to the current European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. Participants will be allocated into two groups. Group A will include patients receiving empagliflozin 10 mg once daily, initiated either at hospital discharge in patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus or in patients without diabetes who present with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF \<40%). Group B will serve as the control group and will not receive empagliflozin therapy. The anticipated sample size of the study is 80 patients, with approximately 40 participants in each group. Exclusion criteria include chronic kidney disease with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<60 ml/min/1.73 m², active malignancy, autoimmune or autoinflammatory disorders, severe hepatic impairment, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. Participants will undergo detailed evaluation at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Arterial stiffness will be assessed through measurement of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) using the Complior SP system, which represents the gold standard non-invasive method for evaluating large-artery stiffness. In addition, 24-hour pulse wave analysis will be performed using the Mobil-O-Graph device to obtain central hemodynamic parameters. Endothelial function will be evaluated through assessment of endothelial glycocalyx thickness in sublingual microvessels using Sidestream Dark Field (SDF) imaging with the GlycoCheck system. Glycocalyx integrity will be quantified by the Perfused Boundary Region (PBR) index, which reflects erythrocyte penetration into the glycocalyx layer and serves as a marker of endothelial barrier dysfunction. Cardiac structure and function will be assessed using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the left ventricle will be calculated using the standard 17-segment model from apical views, while left atrial strain will be measured to evaluate atrial reservoir and contractile function, providing sensitive markers of myocardial remodeling after infarction

Drug-Coated Balloon Primary PCI in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Drug-eluting stent (DES)-based primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) has been established as the standard of care for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), having demonstrated superiority over thrombolysis, plain balloon angioplasty, and bare-metal stents. Recently, the use of drug-coated balloons (DCB) has expanded dramatically across a variety of anatomical and clinical settings, including de novo coronary lesions. A DCB-based pPCI strategy may simplify the procedure and mitigate the risks of inadequate stent sizing due to spasm or large thrombus burden, acute stent thrombosis, distal embolization, no reflow, and the relatively higher incidence of late stent-related adverse events compared with elective PCI. Despite these theoretical advantages, data on the safety and efficacy of DCB-based pPCI in STEMI remains limited. The aim of this registry is to explore procedural and clinical outcomes of patients with STEMI treated with a DCB-based pPCI strategy.

Artificial Intelligence Stress Echo (FINESSE) Project

The goal of this observational study is to learn whether combining stress echocardiography (stress echo) results with routine clinical information can better predict important heart outcomes in adults (18+) with chest pain who were assessed for suspected coronary artery disease. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can an artificial intelligence / machine learning model using stress echo findings plus clinical factors (such as blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, other health conditions, medications, and body measurements) predict major heart-related events (such as heart attack, stroke, death related to heart disease, or the need for coronary procedures) more accurately than stress echo results alone? Can the model help identify which patients are most likely to benefit from further invasive assessment and possible coronary revascularisation (for example, a stent or bypass surgery)? Which combination of stress echo measurements and clinical factors contributes most to risk prediction? Participants will: Not be asked to attend extra visits or have additional tests for this study. Have their existing stress echo reports and routinely collected hospital record data analysed (approximately 3,000 people who previously had dobutamine stress echo at Milton Keynes University Hospital). In some cases, if outcomes are not fully available from hospital records, the research team may check additional sources (such as GP records, or contacting the patient if appropriate) to confirm whether a major heart-related event occurred.

Community Physical Exercise Program in Chronic Disease

This study focuses on promoting physical activity (PA) through the implementation of a Community Physical Exercise Program for Chronic Diseases (CPEP-CD), targeting individuals aged 50 years and older with at least two of the following conditions: cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease or risk (CVD), overweight, diabetes mellitus (DM), and musculoskeletal diseases. The primary objective is to improve muscle and cardiorespiratory health and well-being, while also contributing to a more objective and evidence-based exercise prescription for these pathological conditions. Population ageing is a global challenge associated with an increased prevalence of chronic diseases that compromise quality of life (QoL). A sedentary lifestyle is linked to declines in muscle function and cardiorespiratory fitness and is considered a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Consequently, physical exercise is widely recommended as a key non-pharmacological intervention across multiple chronic diseases. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, regular PA is a protective factor in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and DM. In addition, PA provides mental health benefits, supports healthy weight maintenance, and enhances overall well-being. In adults, regular PA is associated with reductions in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and the incidence of hypertension. Within this context, the aim of this project is to implement a community-based physical exercise program for individuals with chronic disease and multimorbidity, focusing on CVD and cerebrovascular disease or risk, DM, and OA. The program integrates existing exercise prescription guidelines while personalizing exercise progression according to both disease-specific and multimorbidity profiles. The primary outcomes include improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, bone health, functional capacity, and QoL. Additionally, through individualized training monitoring, this study seeks to establish an exercise prescription tailored to the most prevalent combinations of chronic diseases, thereby providing more objective and practical guidance for family physicians, exercise professionals, and rehabilitation specialists, and supporting more personalized and targeted exercise-based strategies for chronic disease prevention and management.

Diagnostic Accuracy of ECG-less Gated Cardiac CT in Resuscitated Cardiac Arrest Survivors Without ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

In a significant portion of patients surviving a cardiac arrest, the event is caused by a myocardial infarction (a narrowing or blockage of one or more blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, the coronary arteries). In some people, this is immediately evident from basic tests; in others, it is more difficult to predict with the currently available tests whether this (or something else) caused the cardiac arrest. We investigate a technique that allows us to also assess the coronary arteries on the CT scan that is performed in patients surviving a cardiac arrest. The coronary angiography is currently the best exam we have for examining the coronary arteries, but it has some disadvantages. Compared to the CT scan, it takes more time, needs a more complex access to the blood vessels, and has some rare but relevant possible complications. The major advantage of the coronary angiography is that there is the possibility of immediate treatment of a narrowed/blocked blood vessel of the heart. The current guidelines advice an urgent coronary angiography when a clear myocardial infarction is suggested on the electrocardiogram, but not when there is no clear indication of myocardial infarction. Nonetheless, a relevant portion (more or less 40%) of the patients without a clearly abnormal electrocardiogram, still have an important problem in the blood vessels of the heart. We aim to determine whether the CT scan provides accurate information about the condition of the blood vessels of the heart. The CT scan was already well examined for this purpose before, but in the currently conventional way it needs preparation with extra monitoring and administration of medication, which would lead to loss of precious time and potentially dangerous side effects of these drugs in this critical situation. For that reason, a new software modality was developed that allows us to examine the coronary arteries in the same CT scan, without need for additional monitoring or medication administration. It does not need additional contrast administration (the dye necessary for optimal evaluation of some diseases). The goal of this study is to determine whether this new technique gives us the correct information about the coronary arteries. This means we acquire the images of the heart in the same scan, and verify the results with the conventional coronary angiography. If the technique provides accurate information, it could lead to a better selection of patients we need to urgently refer for a coronary angiography and to defer the exam in those who have normal coronary arteries on the scan.

The Application of T1 Mapping in Real-World

The goal of this observational study is to create a comprehensive real-world spectrum of T1 mapping measurements across different heart conditions. We aim to establish reference values for how heart tissue characteristics vary in various diseases, which will help doctors better interpret these advanced MRI measurements in clinical practice. The main questions it aims to answer are: What are the normal T1 mapping values for different heart diseases, and how do they compare to healthy hearts? Can we use the simpler "native T1" measurement (without contrast dye) instead of the more complex "ECV" measurement (which requires contrast dye) for diagnosis? Patients with various myocardial conditions will undergo CMR T1 mapping scans. We will analyze the MRI images and clinical records to establish disease-specific reference ranges for T1 mapping parameters, and validate the diagnostic accuracy of T1 mapping

Prognosis of Patients With Mixed Cardiogenic-Vasoplegic Shock

Mixed cardiogenic-vasoplegic shock (M-CS) represents a distinct and severe phenotype of cardiogenic shock characterized by concomitant myocardial dysfunction and inappropriate systemic vasodilation. Despite its clinical relevance, the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of M-CS remain poorly defined. This retrospective, multicenter, observational registry aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors associated with mixed cardiogenic-vasoplegic shock. The study will analyze clinical, biological, and invasive hemodynamic data routinely collected during patient management for M-CS. All included patients will have been admitted for cardiogenic shock, with or without vasoplegia, defined by low cardiac output and, when present, decreased systemic vascular resistance despite adequate filling pressures requiring vasopressor support. The primary objective is to describe mortality and organ failure rates, while secondary analyses will identify determinants of adverse outcomes and potential phenotypic subgroups. The PROMIX registry will be conducted across three French university hospitals (CHU Amiens-Picardie, CHU Dijon-Bourgogne, and CHU Rouen-Normandie). This study is non-interventional, involving only data obtained as part of routine critical care, and will provide the first multicenter overview of this complex and underrecognized form of cardiogenic shock.

CMR Prognostic Markers in Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accurate risk stratification is essential for guiding clinical management and improving long-term outcomes in patients with ischemic myocardial injury. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging provides comprehensive assessment of myocardial structure, function, and tissue characteristics, enabling detailed evaluation of ischemic injury and its consequences. This multicenter, retrospective observational study aims to investigate the prognostic value of multiparametric CMR-derived imaging markers in patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent clinically indicated CMR examinations. Imaging parameters of interest include late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), infarct size, microvascular obstruction (MVO), left ventricular and left atrial strain, and native T1 and T2 mapping values. Long-term clinical outcomes will be obtained from existing medical records. The primary outcome is major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and secondary outcome is cardiovascular death. This study seeks to clarify the role of CMR in long-term risk stratification of patients with ischemic heart disease.

Efficacy of Montelukast on STEMl Patients

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of patient mortality worldwide. Each year, over 8 million people globally die from AMI, with approximately 30% of these cases being ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Despite the continuous development of reperfusion therapy strategies in recent years, which have benefited countless STEMI patients, studies have shown that even when STEMI patients receive primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) within the therapeutic time window, the in-hospital mortality rate remains as high as 4%, while the one-year post-discharge mortality rate reaches 10%. Among the survivors, about 20% further progress to heart failure. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI) is the primary pathological mechanism underlying the residual risk in STEMI patients following pPCI treatment, directly influencing disease progression and clinical outcomes. Therefore, cardiac protection strategies aimed at targeted improvement of myocardial I/RI to enhance patient prognosis are of paramount importance. In recent research, we have identified and elucidated a novel mechanism by which ALDH2 gene deficiency exacerbates I/RI through the ER stress/Mgst2/LTC4 signaling pathway, mediating the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETosis). Furthermore, we discovered that the use of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) receptor antagonists can effectively block the ER stress/Mgst2/NETosis myocardial injury axis, thereby significantly reducing infarct size and improving cardiac function in I/RI model mice. In clinical cohorts, we observed a significant elevation in LTC4 levels during the acute phase in STEMI patients receiving pPCI. More importantly, elevated LTC4 levels were closely associated with the occurrence of left ventricular adverse remodeling and poor cardiovascular prognosis, suggesting that effective inhibition of the LTC4-related myocardial injury axis during the acute phase of myocardial infarction could yield direct clinical benefits. This highlights the critical role of LTC4 in I/RI and the clinical potential of targeted LTC4 receptor therapy strategies. Montelukast is a potent leukotriene receptor antagonist with proven preventive and therapeutic effects on asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In recent years, the drug repurposing strategy of montelukast in cardiovascular diseases has garnered increasing attention. Researchers have found that montelukast is closely associated with a reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, indicating its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, mechanistic studies have also revealed that montelukast can significantly improve infarct size and ventricular remodeling levels in myocardial infarction model mice by blocking leukotriene receptors. A meta-analysis, which combined data from 26 animal experiments and 2 clinical studies, suggested that montelukast holds promising application prospects in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Based on these findings, we propose that the drug repurposing strategy of montelukast may represent an effective treatment approach for STEMI patients. We hypothesize that in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, the application of montelukast can reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, thereby improving ventricular remodeling and cardiac function, and exerting cardiac protective effects.

Norwegian Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Study

The Norwegian Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Study (NOR-SCAD) is a national, multicenter prospective observational study conducted at major hospitals in Norway. The study investigates risk factors and complications of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). Patients aged 18 years or older who are hospitalized with SCAD are recruited during the index hospitalization. Each participant will be followed for 52 weeks with scheduled visits at 8 and 12 weeks and a final phone call at 52 weeks. Evaluations include coronary CT angiography (CTA), cardiac assessments, genetic analyses, blood sampling, structured questionnaires, and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET).

Health Coaching for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

For patients discharged with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease coronary artery disease resulting in myocardial infarction and/or congestive heart failure, this study will evaluate if the addition of 12 virtual health coaching sessions over the course of 16 weeks will improve physiological, psychological, and social health outcomes, prove acceptable and satisfactory for these patients with CVD, decrease CVD-related questions and concerns sent to the provider via MyChart, and reduce hospital readmission rates over a 90-day period as compared to patients discharged with the same diagnosis who receive standard post-discharge care. The study will also evaluate the perceptions of physician and advanced practice providers related to the health coach as part of the interprofessional team and the amount of time spent addressing CVD-related patient questions and concerns via MyChart messages.

The Rule-Out Acute Myocardial Infarction Using Aritifical Intelligence Electrocardiogram (ROMIAE) 2 Trial

This study is to see whether the AI ECG assisted protocol is as safe and efficacious as conventional protocol in early triage of suspected myocardial infarction.

Enhanced Prediction Model for Major Adverse Events Following Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although early revascularization has markedly improved short-term outcomes, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events after the index event remains unacceptably high, posing a formidable clinical challenge. Contemporary risk-stratification instruments rely predominantly on a restricted set of conventional clinical variables and therefore fail to capture the full spectrum of individual pathophysiological complexity. To overcome these limitations, the present investigation aims to develop a post-AMI prognostic model that integrates comprehensive multimodal data.

The Role of 4 Different Consent Approaches on a Pilot Study to Increase Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendance

Cardiac Rehabilitation is a lifestyle and exercise program for patients with heart disease. Cardiac Rehabilitation is strongly recommended in guidelines, but only 30% of eligible patients attend. New strategies are needed to help more patients attend cardiac rehabilitation. In this study, the investigators will see if using an $50 incentive, case management, text messages, and physical activity coaching combined into a single intervention will help more patients attend cardiac rehabilitation. In preparation for a larger trial, patients will also be randomly assigned to four different ways of seeking their permission to be in a research study. The investigators will see if these approaches affect how many people participate in the research project. The two main goals of this study is to understand: 1. If the consent approach type impacts participation rates in the research study 2. If the multi-component intervention (case management, financial incentives, text messages, and physical activity coaching) improves cardiac rehabilitation participation within 3 months.

Clinical Profile of a Patient After MI and ACVA Based on Outpatient Register Data

This is a retrospective observational study using the methodology of creating medical registries. The expected number of patients included in the registry is about 2000 patients with myocardial infarction and/or ACVD of any duration and concomitant non-cardiac diseases of therapeutic profile in pilot healthcare organizations for any reason during 2019-2022 based on the source medical records data.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Core Exercise, Aerobic Exercise, and Combined Exercise in Patients Undergoing Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended after myocardial infarction (MI) or heart failure (HF), yet the added value of core muscle endurance training within CR remains uncertain. This randomized, three-arm trial will enroll 60 adults with stable MI or HF who are referred to Phase II CR. After consent and baseline testing, participants are allocated 1:1:1 to: (1) Pilates-based core endurance training, (2) standard aerobic CR (treadmill or cycle), or (3) combined aerobic plus core training. Supervised sessions occur twice weekly for eight weeks (\~60 minutes/session) with continuous safety monitoring. The primary aim is to evaluate feasibility and safety of core training in this population. The study also compares effects of the three programs on cardiorespiratory fitness and function (e.g., peak oxygen uptake, six-minute walk distance), core endurance, balance, symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Findings will clarify whether adding core training improves outcomes and inform clinical exercise prescription in CR.

Endo-ePIcardial Versus Endocardial Only Catheter Ablation for ISchemic Driven Ventricular Tachycardia (EPISODE VT)

The EPISODE VT trial is designed to compare efficacy and safety of two modalities for interventional treatment - endocardial ablation and endo-epicardial ablation in a population of patients with post myocardial infarction (ICD 10 - I25.2) ventricular tachycardias (ICD 10 - I47.2), who are protected by an implantable cardioverter-defibrilator (ICD) and meet study inclusion criteria.

GSI Cardiac on Revolution Apex - US

The goal of this clinical data collection study is to collect raw CT scan data using a new GSI Cardiac mode on GE HealthCare's Revolution Apex CT system. Two groups of participants will be enrolled: A) Participants scheduled to undergo a Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA) as part of their standard of care B) Participants scheduled to undergo a cardiac catheterization or have a history of heart attack Participants in Group A will: -Have a standard of care CCTA immediately followed by a research GSI Cardiac scan Participants in Group B will: -Have a research CCTA immediately followed by a research GSI Cardiac scan Both groups will be in the study for approximately 1 day. There are no follow-up visits after the day of scan.

Modulation of Gut MicroFLORA With Rifaximin to Reduce High Platelet Reactivity in Post-ACS Patients on Ticagrelor

The FLORA-ACS study aims to evaluate the relationship between dysbiosis and high platelet reactivity during treatment with ticagrelor in patients with a history of acute coronary syndromes and investigate the use of rifaximin to eliminate dysbiosis and thus provide effective antiplatelet treatment.

TIRANA-ACS: A Prospective Registry Study for the Targeted Investigation of Residual Inflammation After Non-ST/ ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of mortality in patients following an episode of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Despite advancements in interventional cardiology and medical therapy, mortality remains significant in post-ACS patients, and early risk stratification is essential for optimizing outcomes. Recent studies have suggested that systemic inflammatory markers, such as NLR, are associated with adverse cardiovascular events. It is an easily obtainable and cost-effective laboratory parameter derived from a routine complete blood count. However, its value as an independent predictor of mortality post-ACS has not yet been fully established in our population. The study will include patients aged, admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of ACS (STEMI or Non-STEMI) and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). NLR values will be measured from the first blood draw upon hospital admission, 24 and 48 hours post PCI. Patients will be followed up for up to 6 months after discharge through telephone interviews . First, primary outcomes of the study will be the association between NLR values and mortality (all cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality), MACE (MACE was defined as the composite of all-cause mortality, cardiac death, unplanned revascularization, non-fatal myocardial infarction that was attributable and not related to stent failure or unplanned revascularization not related to stent failure) within 6 months post-ACS. Secondary outcomes will include: 1. Differences in mean NLR between STEMI and NSTEMI patients. 2. Association between elevated NLR and the presence of multivessel coronary artery disease on angiography. 3. Correlation of NLR with other biomarkers, including the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and maximum troponin levels (as an indicator of myocardial infarction size) This study aims to contribute to the identification of easily accessible and cost-efficient biomarkers that can aid clinicians in early risk stratification of ACS survivors. A strong correlation between high NLR values and increased post-discharge mortality would suggest that inflammation plays a key role in patient prognosis and could potentially influence post-ACS management strategies.