Cardiac arrest

This study tested whether starting ECMO (a heart-lung bypass machine) right at the location of a cardiac arrest, rather than waiting until the patient reaches the hospital, could improve survival with good brain function. Researchers enrolled 65 adults with refractory cardiac arr…

This study explores whether combining a high-protein Mediterranean diet with resistance exercise can help people with heart disease build muscle and lower their risk of future heart problems. The trial enrolls adults who have completed cardiac rehab and may have low muscle mass w…

This study tests whether a three-month smartphone-supported walking program can improve daily step counts, psychological well-being, and body composition in adults with cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. Participants use the Walk15 app to set personalized step goals and t…

This study tested a coaching program called MACRO-I for adults aged 70 and older who had a heart event. The program used coaches to guide patients through starting cardiac rehab, either at a center, at home, or a mix of both. 416 participants were split into the coaching group or…

This study tested whether adding vasopressin to the standard drug epinephrine helps more people survive a cardiac arrest that happens outside the hospital. Over 2,400 adults were enrolled. The main goal was to see how many patients were alive when they reached the hospital.

This study tested whether using a smartphone app to alert nearby volunteers (called 'heart runners') to bring an automated external defibrillator (AED) to a suspected cardiac arrest can improve survival. Over 2,000 emergency calls were randomly assigned to either activate these v…

This study tested a once-daily pill called orforglipron against insulin glargine in nearly 2,750 adults with type 2 diabetes, obesity or overweight, and increased cardiovascular risk. The main goal was to see if orforglipron could reduce major heart events like heart attacks or s…

This study tested two ways of managing breathing during heart bypass surgery to see which better prevents lung complications. Over 1,500 adults having planned heart surgery were randomly assigned to either no breathing support or gentle, low-volume breaths while on the heart-lung…

This study tested whether permanent pacemakers can be safely implanted using only ultrasound (transthoracic echocardiography) instead of traditional X-ray guidance. Thirty-one adults with arrhythmias who needed a pacemaker took part. The goal was to see if the procedure could be …

This study tested whether a single dose of dantrolene, a muscle relaxant, could reduce the risk of dangerous heart rhythms in 68 people with structural heart disease who were scheduled for a procedure to treat ventricular tachycardia. Participants received either dantrolene or a …

This study tested whether intensive dental cleaning and oral hygiene advice can improve gum health and also affect markers of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. About 200 adults with gum disease and either heart disease or diabetes (or prediabetes) took part. Researchers measured…

This small completed study looked at a blood filtering procedure called double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) in 5 kidney dialysis patients with very high levels of lipoprotein(a), a fatty substance linked to heart disease and blood clots. The goal was to see if DFPP could lowe…

This study tested whether using a CO2-based algorithm to guide treatment of high lactate in patients with acute circulatory failure works better than standard care. 180 adults in intensive care were randomly assigned to either usual treatment or treatment guided by CO2 measuremen…

This study tested whether a drug called alirocumab, which lowers cholesterol, can reduce heart disease risk in people with HIV. The trial involved 118 adults aged 40 and older with well-controlled HIV and high heart disease risk. Participants received either alirocumab or a place…

This completed trial looked at whether taking two cholesterol-lowering drugs (rosuvastatin and ezetimibe) is more effective and safer than taking just one (rosuvastatin) for people with heart disease. 66 adults with high cholesterol were randomly assigned to one of the two treatm…

This study tested whether starting a portable heart-lung machine (ECPR) right at the scene of a cardiac arrest could save more lives and protect brain function. It included 221 adults aged 18-50 with witnessed cardiac arrest that didn't respond to standard CPR. The goal was to se…

This study tested whether using cardiac MRI to guide ablation (a procedure that destroys small areas of heart tissue) can improve outcomes for people with ventricular tachycardia, a dangerous fast heart rhythm. 104 adults with structural heart disease were randomly assigned to on…

This study tested a new type of wire (lead) for implantable heart devices that deliver shocks to stop dangerous fast heart rhythms. Researchers checked how safe and effective the lead was in 998 people who needed a defibrillator or heart failure device. The lead was placed in a s…

This phase 3 trial tested whether high doses of epoetin alpha, a drug that boosts red blood cells and may protect the brain, could improve recovery in 500 comatose adults who survived a cardiac arrest. Half received the drug plus standard care, half got standard care alone. The m…

This study looked at whether giving ulinastatin during heart surgery can lower the chance of lung complications like infections or breathing failure. Researchers analyzed data from over 4,500 patients and also used computer models to understand how the drug works. The results sug…

This study tested a new device called NEURESCUE in 6 adults experiencing in-hospital cardiac arrest. The device is a balloon catheter inserted through the leg artery that inflates to redirect blood flow to the heart and brain. The goal was to see if it could be deployed quickly a…

This study tested whether a special type of dialysis (high-permeability hemodialysis) could help people in shock after being revived from cardiac arrest. The idea was to filter out inflammatory substances from the blood to improve blood pressure and reduce the need for strong med…

This study looked at whether a special eye scan (SS-OCTA) can detect signs of cardiovascular disease. Researchers compared retinal blood vessel changes to results from a standard carotid ultrasound in 42 adults. The goal was to see if the eye scan could predict the presence or se…

This study tested whether an AI-powered smart stethoscope can accurately detect structural heart disease in over 6,600 students aged 10-18 in China. Trained staff used the device to listen to heart sounds, and the AI flagged potential issues. Students with positive results, plus …

This study tested a new non-invasive tool called ECG-Imaging that uses many electrodes on the body to create a 3D map of the heart's electrical activity. The goal was to see if it can more accurately locate the source of heart rhythm problems compared to a standard ECG. 362 parti…

This study tested a new contrast agent called NH002 in 36 adults with heart disease. The agent is used during heart ultrasound to make the heart's chambers and borders clearer. The main goal was to check safety by monitoring vital signs, heart activity, and allergic reactions aft…

This study looked at how often older adults with heart disease risk factors should exercise to improve fitness and blood pressure. Twenty-two participants did combined training either twice or three times a week for 12 weeks. The goal was to see which frequency worked better for …

This study tested an 8-week digital lifestyle program called MYCardio-PEER for low-income adults at risk of heart disease. Participants received weekly videos and infographics on healthy eating and exercise, plus group chats with peer leaders. The goal was to see if the program i…

This study looked at whether a home-based physical activity program and computer-based cognitive training could help prevent memory loss in older women with heart disease. 253 women aged 65 and older participated. The goal was to see if these lifestyle changes could improve memor…

This completed study tested whether sending behavioral nudges through Denmark's official electronic letter system could increase flu vaccination among adults aged 18-64 with chronic diseases. Over 300,000 participants were randomly assigned to receive different types of letters o…

This study looked at two methods to reduce pain after heart surgery through a cut in the chest bone. 120 adults received either a nerve block near the breastbone, pain medicine injected into the wound, or standard painkillers. Researchers measured pain levels using a saliva test …

This completed trial tested an 8-week program called Healing Hearts Together (HHT) for couples where one partner has heart disease. 474 couples attended weekly group sessions focused on communication, emotional support, and heart health. The goal was to see if the program improve…

This study tested whether a 20-minute session of nurse-led spiritual care, including prayer and relaxation techniques, could help heart surgery patients feel less anxious and have more stable blood pressure and heart rate before their operation. 248 adults in Indonesia took part.…

This study looked at whether a 12-week virtual exercise program could help women with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) improve their physical fitness, quality of life, and mental health. Twenty women took part, doing either high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or…

This study tested whether a 3-month yoga program could improve physical and mental health in adults over 65 who had recently finished cardiac rehab. Participants attended yoga twice a week. Researchers measured balance, muscle strength, anxiety, and mood. The goal was to see if y…

This study tested whether adding a tramadol injection to a continuous local anesthetic (levobupivacaine) delivered through a wound catheter can reduce the need for morphine after heart surgery via sternotomy. 160 adults undergoing various heart surgeries were enrolled. The goal w…

This study tested a breathing exercise called the active cycle breathing technique in 120 adults who had just had heart surgery. The exercise combines controlled breathing, deep breaths, and huffing or coughing to help clear the lungs and improve breathing. Researchers measured w…

This study tested a 9-week internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in people with stable heart disease. 215 adults with heart disease and elevated stress or mood symptoms took part. The program was personalized …

This study tested whether a website called Heartsight could help close family members of cardiac arrest patients feel less uncertain, anxious, and burdened. Fifty-three family members were given access to the website or usual care. The goal was to see if the website was easy to u…

This study tested a mind-body program called 'Recovering Together after Cardiac Arrest' for survivors and their caregivers. 14 pairs (survivor and caregiver) took part to see if the program was feasible and helpful. The goal was to reduce emotional distress and improve well-being…

This study tested whether adding virtual reality (VR) driving simulations to standard cardiac rehabilitation helps heart surgery patients feel less anxious and depressed. Sixty adults recovering from heart surgery took part. The results suggest VR can improve emotional well-being…

This study explored how family members share health information about genetic diseases like sickle cell, diabetes, and cancer. Over 1,000 adults completed surveys or interviews about their family health history and support. The goal was to understand social and relational factors…

This study followed 601 adults who survived a cardiac arrest outside the hospital. Researchers wanted to learn how many survive long-term and how their quality of life and daily functioning are affected. The goal is to better understand what helps people recover and live well aft…

This study looked at two ways to improve CPR during cardiac arrest: changing how often rescuers switch (every 2 vs. 4 minutes) and using a device called CPRmeter that gives real-time feedback on chest compressions. Researchers measured the quality of compressions in 51 patients. …

This study looked at 130 adults who survived a cardiac arrest outside the hospital and were treated with cooling therapy. Researchers measured two simple tests—a blood protein level and a motor response score—to see if they could predict brain function 6 months later. The goal is…

This study reviewed records of 630 adults who survived a cardiac arrest and were treated in an ICU in Italy over 14 years. Researchers compared outcomes across three time periods when different official treatment guidelines were in use. The goal was to see if newer guidelines led…

This pilot study tested whether giving inhaled nitric oxide gas during laparoscopic surgery could protect blood vessels and organs in 40 adults with heart disease. Half received the gas through their breathing tube during surgery, and half received standard care. Researchers meas…

This study tested a new tool called a linear cognitive aid to help emergency medical teams treat children during critical situations like cardiac arrest. The tool gives simple, step-by-step instructions based on the child's age and emergency type. Researchers compared teams using…

This completed study observed 528 adults who had heart surgery and were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Researchers tracked deaths, serious complications like stroke or infection, and patient details to identify risk factors. The goal is to use this information to impr…

This study tested if using the lower leg to push on the chest during CPR works as well as the standard hand method. About 99 paramedic and nursing students performed two minutes of chest compressions on a manikin, either with their hands or their dominant foot. The goal was to se…

This study looked at 150 Caribbean Hispanic adults with heart disease or stroke risk who take the blood thinner clopidogrel. Researchers wanted to see if certain gene variants affect how well the drug works. The goal is to understand why some people get less benefit and to pave t…

This study looked at 200 adults having a cardiac arrest outside the hospital to see how long it takes paramedics to get a working IV or IO line. The goal was to find out what causes delays or failures when trying to start an IV first and then switching to an IO if needed. The res…

This study looked at whether a special mapping tool called vMap can help doctors perform heart ablations more efficiently for people with irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Researchers tracked 112 patients to see if using vMap reduced procedure time and improved success rates. T…

This study checked how well over 5,000 heart patients follow their prescribed medicine routine. Researchers asked patients about their medication habits and any side effects. The goal was to understand how many patients do not take their medicines as directed.

This study aimed to make heart rate monitors more accurate for people with heart conditions. Researchers collected data from 138 participants, including cardiac patients and athletes, using Fitbit and Polar devices over 13 weeks. The goal was to remove false readings and develop …

This study looked back at the medical records of 168 adults who survived a cardiac arrest and were treated in the intensive care unit. Researchers wanted to find early signs that could predict which patients were more likely to die within 30 days or six months. By analyzing lab r…

This study examined how the Impella heart pump changes platelet function in 30 patients with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Researchers measured markers of platelet activation and aggregation before and during pump support. The goal was to understand why some patients devel…

This study tested a program where doctors refer inactive people with chronic diseases (like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity) to an exercise professional for personalized counseling. The goal was to see if this referral scheme helps people become more active compared to just g…

This study looked at whether ultrasound measurements of the vena cava and femoral artery can predict which sepsis patients with low blood pressure will benefit from extra fluids. 90 spontaneously breathing adults in intensive care were studied. The goal is to avoid giving too muc…

This study tested whether using a video call (telemedicine) to guide bystanders in CPR is better than standard phone-only instructions. Researchers studied 108 adults with suspected cardiac arrest in Bangkok, Thailand. The goal was to see if video help leads to more people receiv…

This study looked at 346 adults who had a cardiac arrest outside the hospital. Doctors used an ultrasound within the first 12 minutes of CPR to see if a still heart (no movement) meant the heart would not restart. The goal was to help decide on next steps like ECMO or organ donat…

This study examined 297 adults who had a cardiac arrest outside the hospital and were treated by emergency services. Researchers wanted to see if placing a breathing tube before arriving at the hospital helped more people survive for 28 days and have better brain function. They a…

This study checked whether the Turkish version of the Cardiac Depression Scale (CDS) works well for people with heart disease. Researchers tested 360 Turkish adults with various heart conditions to see if the scale accurately measures depression. The goal is to give doctors a rel…

This completed study looked at 400 people with both heart disease and a mental health condition (like depression or anxiety). Researchers used questionnaires, blood tests, and imaging to find shared risk factors and biological markers. The goal was to better understand how these …

This study looks at how a cardiac arrest affects brain function, including memory, thinking, and emotions. Researchers will follow 48 survivors for one year, using cognitive tests and brain scans (fMRI) to track changes. Their results will be compared to a healthy control group t…

This study looked at whether a low-field MRI (0.23-T) is safe and practical for patients who are on a heart-lung machine after a cardiac arrest. The goal was to see if doctors could use this MRI to find brain injuries early without causing harm. 36 unconscious patients took part,…

This study looked at 1,003 people who had a cardiac arrest outside the hospital and were revived. It compared getting a coronary angiogram (an X-ray of the heart's arteries) within 2 hours versus waiting 3 days. The goal was to see if early imaging improves survival at 30 days. P…

This study looked at whether giving CPR instructions over the phone before help arrives increases the number of bystanders who perform CPR. Researchers tracked 274 adults who had a cardiac arrest outside the hospital. The goal was to see if simple instructions could save more liv…

This study observed how emergency medical teams give breaths to adults suffering cardiac arrest outside the hospital. Using a portable device, researchers measured the volume, frequency, and pressure of ventilations during CPR. The goal was to describe current practices, not to t…

This completed trial compared two ways to start CPR in a simulated child cardiac arrest: starting with chest compressions (AHA method) versus starting with rescue breaths (ERC method). Researchers used a manikin to measure how much air reached the lungs in the first minute. 28 he…

This early-stage study tested whether giving regular insulin as nose drops is safe and tolerable in 24 healthy adults. Researchers aimed to find the highest dose that does not cause dangerously low blood sugar. The study was completed and focused on safety, not on treating any di…

This study looked at whether measuring venous lactate (a waste product in the blood) during CPR can help predict if a person's heart will start beating again after a cardiac arrest outside the hospital. Researchers tested lactate levels in 77 adults when emergency teams arrived. …

This study looked at whether wearing an activity monitor (like a Fitbit) after heart surgery helps patients get moving sooner and return to their normal activity levels faster. Researchers tracked motivation, length of hospital stay, and readmission rates in 12 adults who had car…

This completed registry study followed over 5,000 people with heart rhythm disorders who received Abbott devices during standard procedures. The goal was to collect real-world data on safety and how well the devices work. No new treatments were tested; instead, the study observed…

This completed study looked at how the heart medication amiodarone behaves in children aged 0 to 18 with heart rhythm disorders. Researchers took blood samples from 57 children to measure drug levels and understand how the body processes it. The goal was to find the best dose for…

This study tested whether special communication training for pharmacists and general practitioners helps them involve older patients in decisions to stop or lower medications for heart disease and diabetes. Researchers enrolled 310 patients aged 75 and older who were taking certa…

This study tested a new hands-free device called RescueDoppler that uses ultrasound to monitor blood flow in the carotid artery during cardiac arrest. Researchers attached the device to 285 patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, both in and out of the hospital. The goal was…

This study tested whether a theory-based motivational letter mailed six months in advance could increase attendance at a one-year post-cardiac rehabilitation check-up. Researchers compared 102 adults who received the letter to those who got usual care. The goal was to see if a si…

This study examined the DNA of over 2,300 adults who experienced sudden cardiac arrest outside the hospital. Researchers looked for specific genetic variations that might increase the risk of sudden death. The goal is to better identify people at high risk so that future preventi…

This study looked back at medical records of 65 adults who had a cardiac arrest that did not respond to usual treatments and were placed on a heart-lung machine (ECLS). The goal was to find factors that might help predict who is more likely to survive. Researchers checked things …

This study looked at whether MRI scans can help doctors predict if a coma patient will recover brain function after a cardiac arrest. Researchers followed 94 comatose patients in the ICU, scanning their brains at different times. The goal was to improve how doctors identify patie…

This study looked at how Chinese Americans talk about advance care planning—decisions about end-of-life care—with their families. Researchers interviewed religious leaders, patients with chronic diseases, and family caregivers in Chicago to understand their needs and readiness. T…

This study examined how well medical teams perform both technical skills (like chest compressions) and non-technical skills (like communication and leadership) during real cardiac arrest situations. Researchers video-recorded 36 ICU team members and used a validated tool to measu…

This study looked at whether using short, mobile-friendly lessons (micro-learning) can improve critical care nurses' self-confidence, motivation, and stress levels after performing CPR. One hundred nurses with at least one year of ICU experience took part. The goal was to see if …

This study looked at how wearing full firefighter protective gear affects chest compressions during CPR. 38 healthy firefighters performed 12 minutes of CPR in teams, switching every 1 or 2 minutes. The goal was to see which interval leads to better compression depth and quality.

This study looked at how well a daily low-dose aspirin works in people who have both immune thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and heart disease. Only 4 adults took part. Researchers measured platelet function after aspirin to see if the standard dose is enough to prevent blood clo…

This study tested whether a systematic phone call from a medical student, supervised by a general practitioner, could reduce hospitalizations in patients with chronic heart or mental health conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown in France. Over 22,000 patients aged 70 and older …

This study looked at 320 adults who had heart surgery to see how well two different risk scores (EuroSCORE-II and POSPOM) predict the chance of dying in the hospital. Researchers calculated each patient's scores before surgery and compared them to what actually happened. The goal…

This study looked at whether orienteering (a navigation-based walk) is as good as regular walking for heart rehab. 40 people with stable heart disease took part. Researchers measured heart rate and enjoyment during both activities. The goal was to see if orienteering could be a f…

This study looked at whether a 6-minute stepper test (ST6) can accurately measure exercise tolerance in people with heart conditions undergoing rehabilitation. Researchers compared the stepper test results with the standard 6-minute walk test and a cardiac stress test in 60 patie…

This study looks at how cardiac arrest affects thinking, memory, emotions, and sleep over time. About 200 survivors will take detailed brain tests 7 and 24 months after their cardiac arrest. Their results will be compared to heart attack patients who did not have a cardiac arrest…

This study used a special brain imaging technique called near-infrared spectroscopy to see how the brain responds to pain and sounds while people are under general anesthesia. 44 healthy volunteers aged 12-30 were given either a painkiller (remifentanil) or a placebo. The goal wa…

This study looked at 74 people who received emergency ECMO (a heart-lung machine) after their heart stopped outside a hospital. Researchers measured their quality of life, anxiety, and depression 30 days later. The goal was to understand how well survivors recover physically and …

This study looked at 58 adults who had a cardiac arrest and were cooled to 33°C to protect their brains. Researchers compared two rewarming speeds (slow at 0.25°C per hour vs. fast at 0.50°C per hour) to see how it affected inflammation levels in the blood. The goal was to gather…

This study looked at 212 critically ill adults in one ICU to see if three blood test ratios could predict death. The ratios compare lactate, CRP, and procalcitonin to albumin levels. Researchers will check if these ratios are linked to survival and find cut-off values to help doc…

This study looked at how many girls and young women aged 11 to 20 with chronic diseases (like diabetes or immune conditions) got the HPV vaccine, compared to those without chronic illness. Researchers reviewed records of 223 participants from a hospital in France. The goal was to…

This study looked at 60 patients who were resuscitated after a cardiac arrest but remained unconscious. Researchers took blood samples at the hospital and on days 1 and 3 to analyze the activity of all genes (the transcriptome). The goal was to see if these gene patterns could pr…

This study looked at 300 critically ill adults in the ICU who were receiving drugs to raise their blood pressure. Researchers measured blood pressure at the upper arm and the wrist to see if there was a difference. They wanted to find out how often this difference happens and if …

This study tested a device that gives paramedics real-time feedback on how well they are breathing for a patient during CPR after a cardiac arrest. Researchers compared breathing quality before and after using the device in over 400 patients. The goal was to see if the device hel…

This study tested an indoor air pollution intervention called AIRWISE in 20 adults aged 55 and older with heart disease. Participants received personal air cleaners, a color-changing air quality monitor, and educational materials. The goal was to see if they would use these tools…

This completed study tested whether healthcare claims data can predict the results of a major heart trial (SURPASS-CVOT) comparing two diabetes drugs, tirzepatide and dulaglutide. Researchers analyzed records from over 44,000 people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease to see i…

This pilot study tested whether using two defibrillators early, instead of one, is feasible and safe for people whose hearts stop outside a hospital and don't respond to the first shock. Researchers enrolled 40 adults with a shockable heart rhythm. The goal was to see if emergenc…

This study tested whether video calls with emergency dispatchers help bystanders perform CPR better than phone-only instructions, especially in tough conditions like darkness. 157 healthy volunteers managed a simulated cardiac arrest alone, with some using video and others just a…

This study looked at 116 people who had a cardiac arrest outside the hospital and were treated with a machine called ECMO (which pumps and oxygenates blood). Researchers measured how well the heart was pumping at 28 days and 90 days after the arrest. The goal was to understand if…

This study looked at two ways to assign care coordinators to older adults (65+) with heart disease or risk factors. One method used patients' own reports of difficulty coordinating care, while the other used usual triggers like hospital discharge. The goal was to see which approa…